After speaking to CPS on the subject some time ago, the recommended strategy for the long & stable life of the CF card is to do as Dr Neuro suggests, and that's to format in camera every time you put the card back in the camera after downloading. They add to that the recommendation to format in your computer via your card reader with a FAT32 format. FAT formats are for older cards under 1Gb. Do this two or three times a year.
But they added that for greater stability, avoid deleting images in camera and do your edit when you get back to the studio. The cost per Gb is so low now, deleting on location is barely necessary.
The third stability strategy is to avoid using your cards across other devices or even brands of cameras. If you do, make a point of doing a full FAT32 format first.
Lastly, take your CF card out of your jeans pocket before putting them in the wash. I've done it twice. Both times they came out noticeably cleaner, but one led to card failure. Wrong brand of detergent I guess!
Other than the wash incident, I've never had card failure or corruption, and that's over 12 years now. I've followed those basic rules, and always bought Sandisk cards. There used to be a lot of talk about failed cards...often they were Lexar or low cost no-name cheapies. Lexar may be better now but I'm staying with Sandisk. Also I generally replace cards after a couple of years, regardless of performance or perceived stability. Overkill? Maybe, but professional credibility is hard earned over time but can be lost in a heartbeat.
HTH
PW
