What is it with M.S/PhD degree candidates not promoting their own open-to-the-public defense for the degree? Two people in our research group, in separate occasions, didnot even continue the tradition to practice before the whole group members. Was it lack of confidence? After those many years of practice/study? This might sound ignorant, but it almost felt like the two candidates were terrified of the audience's formed judgement about the quality of the research they presented. I said, to hell with what audience think. You've done the work, it's time to show 'em some. Gosh.