Rene,

I think this might help:

http://www.empirisoft.com/medialab/h...#data_vertical

As described, you can place the vertical.mdb file in your byVariableName data folder. It will store the value of every variable in a vertical Access database file. I just tried it with some very long fill-in-the-blank text responses and all were perfectly in tact. Haven't tried it with a custom item yet but I think it could serve as at least a short term solution for you.

Anyways see if it helps and let me know how it goes.