In FIDO.net the problems were largely solved, and they remained solved for a long time. It worked like this:
1. Each forum has a list of rules. Not reading rules -> penalty. Breaking the rules -> penalty.
2. Each forum forum has a FAQ. Asking a question from FAQ -> penalty. Unless you can show you read FAQ and there is still something to be discussed.
3. Each forum has regularly updated off-topic list. Bringing up a topic from this list -> penalty. Moderator keeps the offtopics up to date, adding/removing things as needed to maintain calm.
4. Arguing with moderator or comoderators in public -> penalty. All arguments should go into private messages.
5. Telling others what they can and cannot say (usurping moderator's power) -> penalty. All complains should go into private mail.
6. Moderator is usually elected (if public forum) or self-appointed (if he owns the forum). The former can be impeached. The latter can be ignored by creating an alternative forum.
7. Moderator appoints co-moderators. If comoderators misbehave, moderator alone can overrule.
8. Penalties accumulate, yielding bannination.
The system worked well because bannination was real - most people on FIDO had real identities. No reason one can't do the same with facebook logins now.
FidoNet was network governed by a group petty, power-hungry and insecure moderators posing as lords of the manor. It was really, really sad. It worked well in the sense a prison colony could work well. It's a good thing that the whole thing has pretty much died and replaced by the much bigger and more diverse Web.
In my corner of the FIDO moderators were harsh but just. I find it that generally people appreciate tyranny when it leads to excellent result where it matters, in this case quality discussion on various topics.
1. Each forum has a list of rules. Not reading rules -> penalty. Breaking the rules -> penalty.
2. Each forum forum has a FAQ. Asking a question from FAQ -> penalty. Unless you can show you read FAQ and there is still something to be discussed.
3. Each forum has regularly updated off-topic list. Bringing up a topic from this list -> penalty. Moderator keeps the offtopics up to date, adding/removing things as needed to maintain calm.
4. Arguing with moderator or comoderators in public -> penalty. All arguments should go into private messages.
5. Telling others what they can and cannot say (usurping moderator's power) -> penalty. All complains should go into private mail.
6. Moderator is usually elected (if public forum) or self-appointed (if he owns the forum). The former can be impeached. The latter can be ignored by creating an alternative forum.
7. Moderator appoints co-moderators. If comoderators misbehave, moderator alone can overrule.
8. Penalties accumulate, yielding bannination.
The system worked well because bannination was real - most people on FIDO had real identities. No reason one can't do the same with facebook logins now.