pageoneresults - 11:00 pm on Aug 16, 2009 (gmt 0)

It strikes me that this issue is very closely tied to the goal of creating a perfect form.

Ah, the perfect form. That phrase can be used to describe quite a few things. :)

I've found that using a two tier process has helped to cut back on the initial information being requested. Since there is an approval process involved, all we need to start is basic information. We don't want them completing a profile just yet. We'll review first after the initial submission and then if approved, the member then has access to complete their entire profile which is quite a bit more involved.

We use JavaScript validation for all forms. My Dev also has some other stuff going on to combat the bots and such. I'll tell ya, since we switched to paid years ago, we can spend our time more effectively reviewing those who are brave enough to submit. We're a bit unique in that we have a 90% decline rate. ;)

For the rest of you dealing with mass submissions in a free based directory environment, I envy you. I know IncrediBILL has some real nifty stuff going on with his directory in regards to the review and approval process. Now, if he'd get off his duff and package that thing... < Never happen. We all have our unique ways of dealing with submissions. I would imagine most of you folks are working with some sort of off the shelf directory script. I've seen them, and they do the job after some initial tweaks here and there.