Maybe it's my moniker, but I get a lot of flats. Probably not my moniker actually, flats are probably common for cyclists that hit the streets with 700-23 tires inflated to 125lbs. My problem is patches that don't hold. Probably less than 50% of my patches hold, and any hints to improve my average would be appreciated.
Some things I've garnered with experience:

• Self-adhesive patches are not as reliable as the old fashioned glue-on type.
• The glue instructions say to put a thin layer. Slap on a thick layer of glue.
• Pay attention to the instruction to wait 5 minutes for the glue to dry. Impatience will be counterproductive.
• Always take a spare tube along as well as a patch kit.