[nicbou]

This works if the goal is to create a funnel for making friends. I aim for something closer to Stack Overflow, where people gather to solve shared problems and help each other.

The closest analog I can think of is community-run bike repair workshops. Some people are deeply involved in, and others just have a flat tire.

The closest digital equivalent is the forums of old.

[marcus_holmes]

ok, but the same problem arises; how to weed out the people who are bad for the community.

I've worked in community-run bike repair workshops. The leader worked really hard to keep the place drama-free. Some people really like drama ;)

The forums of old were endlessly kicking and banning people, and that was before it was profitable to spam folks.

[nicbou]

I think it's an inherently hard problem. The one I fear the most is not the toxic dirtbag; they just get banned. I'm more afraid of those who follow the rules but reliably kill the vibe. The internet has no equivalent to the whole room going quiet.

It's a lot harder to moderate bad actors if they can keep creating new accounts, too.

[marcus_holmes]

Agree, it is hard. I've built a few communities, and trust my gut; if something feels off about the vibe from someone, it probably is and I should be wary. But this becomes incredibly difficult (if not impossible) to put into rules, so if you're trying to build a community where you're not the beneficent dictator for life and there are published rules then you kinda have to accept that some people will play the rules and be dicks anyway.