Either self-regulated or refereed, forums can benefit from rules for civil discourse. The Civility Pledge is an example of self-regulated discourse. It was inspired by Transform Rockford's 815 Choose Civility community movement. The group's Facebook page establishes a community behavior to apply to communications in social media.
I pledge to conduct myself in a way that is honest, respectful, considerate and kind,
even toward those with whom I disagree (815 Choose Civility).