I always try to avoid LONG columns.
When i need them, I prefer creating a separate table to store LONG field.eg. LONG_TABLE( LONG_ID number, LONG_FIELD LONG ) In the table to which the LONG_FIELD belongs, I just put the LONG_ID. ( can be filled using a sequence )

This will cause the original table to be much smaller.
Only when we need the data from the LONG field, you need to do an extra select on LONG_TABLE using the LONG_ID found in your record.

Hope this helps
Gert