I’ve seen the YouTubers about PhDs and it’s not what I’m looking for. But I found an interesting and well documented article on the New York Times. Well, it is the Times, indeed. It shows again the poor quality of content online and the need for reliable content (#BestPractices), even more we know that reliable content is not the same when it belongs to corporations or groups. Anyway. The topic is about doing/not doing a PhD.

Interestingly, PhD and Thesis mean two different things in French. As I am French, mixed with Belgium family and transformed by the American culture… So : PhD refers to a « Doctorate in PHilosophy » and is a result of a study in a specialised field.

The Thesis is the document a student presents to her peers at the end of the research process, it can be for a master or a PhD.

THE WHYs

For me a PhD starting after 50 years old is a complex approach. In my case, I have never learned the methodologies for research: I start from scratch. I did not have to research much for my Master degree, I used a professional project to build on and with. It took 6 years and many labs to finally come back to the former place and lab where everything started (Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, Paris). And I am not even enrolled YET (2019).

Intellectually, it is fine, I have some comfort in terms of organisation and mentorship. But scientifically, I’m an outsider. I could secure some teaching along the way as I love being with students and I would like to teach abroad. Transmitting is valuable.

It will contribute to general progress in the field of communication and the humanities, I want to complete a knowledge base, I have so much case studies in my backpack!

Will it rise my consulting rates? Will it give this brand – Transmedia Ready – a better exposure across borders (do we need it?), will it help me work internationally as I used to do?

It pleases me to acquire more knowledge in the humanities, in management and design,  and it makes me feel great to express my ideas about experiences in the arts, content production, co-design, project management and business development from the p.o.v. of the creative industries. I also like to share knowledge on personal development and role playing in real life.

I am informed. PhD thesis do not get read by the public, not even the target audience, rarely by the experts. If I want my knowledge and experiences to be SPREADABLE, I need to publish my books!

Now, I’ve read so much B.S. about transmedia, I even read stuff transformed from my own teaching (plagiat)!

There is a great challenge at working in the country of France, it is to survive to mediocrity. But it is the only place where I can probably do the challenge almost for free. I am even considering a crowdfunding campaign for this project as I will need to work more than ever, and dedicate 3 years at least. As if I have not done so yet! Lots of laughing.

Cheers To Peers!