I’ve seen fluther grow since the beginning, and from very early on it was clear that the site would succeed only if the community was good. The original group of people on the site were really good users, but soon it became clear that rogue elements might present a real problem. It’s true that anonymity can sometimes help people be more caring, but that backfires more often than it helps. In general, anonymity has spelled disaster for the internet, and the discussion on many anonymous sites looks about as good as the scrawls in a public restroom.
I think Ben and Andrew have tried really hard to create an environment where screwing around and being disrespectful would not be tolerated, and that everyone would understand that considerate and thoughtful behavior was the norm, and expect that from themselves and others. The moderators have been hugely helpful in this effort. I think that keeping the junk level down to minimum gives the space for everyone to put their best self forward.
So I think you end up with a great group that respects each other and assumes that they will be respected, and everyone self-polices, and there’s a continuing upward spiral. I myself am happily stunned at how supportive and vibrant the community on fluther has grown. And how helpful! It’s now really at the point where the original vision of instant, useful help to tricky problems is the norm.