I submitted a site to the LII directory yesterday, the submission was very simple and the directory is very good. I was impressed with the email reply, here's a snip from it: So I did, I sent them a message explaining why my site was unique and would be an asset to their directory. Will I get in? I doubt it. But as I'm intending to keep my directory free to good quality sites I'm seriously considering using the same strategy. If somebody wants a free link in a directory populated by quality sites I don't think it's too much to ask, the bots may have a problem with it though
Why not add a field to your database that asks the same thing? It would make reviewing faster and the concept easier for everyone. Having an extra field has made it much quicker to go through submissions - trust me.
Aah OK 'crafty tips' I like it, in the same way it's another layer for the submitter to prove their sincerity.
I have seen other directories (http://www.carryonsurfing.co.uk/ comes to mind) that required a mail (and a reciprocal) if you wanted to get in the directory. I have a directory list and I have been redirecting people to post on (DP forum earlier) a webmaster forum to get their directory in my list. People are lazy enough to make a simple post.