Something I think could potentially have a positive impact on forum culture is if moderation is more visible. On a couple of the more moderated forums I've been where atmosphere in general was respectful and friendly, moderators would often edit posts rather than delete them and then leave a message in that post saying it had been moderated and that participants in the discussion should change their tone. That gives a very clear message that someone is in fact paying attention to what goes on, not just to the offender, but to everyone who reads that post.
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