I don't really know how to answer that in a "how" sense -- the real solution is more along the lines of a cultural reformation. What differentiates a civil society from a clamorous horde? It's lots of things -- self-restraint, ideas of duty and honor, good manners, respect for others, and so on.
I'm not suggesting that FR should become a stodgy and dull place. I love those free-wheeling threads that make you laugh out loud, and FReeper irreverence is a real treasure.
But when the topic is serious, wouldn't it be great if we could count on FReepers to address the topics seriously and thoughtfully, rather than letting their emotions get the best of them?
Yes it would but it ain't gonna happen.
To return to the thread topic, I happen to believe that any press is good press. Get our name out there and let the people come and see for themselves what kind of site we are.
I'd say the majority of FReepers do. Not an overwhelming majority, but a majority none the less. I know I've posted some comments I'd like to have taken back and I'm sure most of us have. People just get carried away and they're passionate, as you know. Bottom line is that we're all FReepers and we have a common bond that we should celebrate. I've often thought about starting a vanity thread about "How You Treat Other FReepers." Myself, I tend to give FReepers more of a benefit of the doubt the longer they've been around. Or if it's a high profiler like doug from upland I pretty much lay off. If it's a newbie, they better stay in line! LOL. Yes, I'm a bit off topic.