[zaarn]

Unwritten rules have upsides too, though I rarely see them being a reflection of the moderation unless the moderation is being very heavy handed.

I've been in communities that were very pleasant and open about a lot of things where the only rule was, quote, "don't be a dick". I've also been in communities, that despite extensive rules that would make make fellows from my law course cry in joy and fully oriented towards left/liberal, were cesspools of hatred.

I think in both cases it's more a matter of what the moderation will do with what they have. "You reap what you sow" probably applies in some way.

[ddingus]

It does apply. People will circumvent systems.

There must simply be a commitment to health and purpose of community.

[zaarn]

When there are only unwritten rules, then people trying to circumvent them will, usually and to my experience, get caught and stopped by the moderation. The lack of written rules usually means they have leeway in what they do so they can easily plug holes.

On the other hand, with written rules it's also harder for moderation to abuse their rights.

Either way, there will always be this commitment, the community usually figures out what they need by themselves when the decision becomes necessary.