This fine article is from 2003 (oldie but goodie).

So posting rules is just a way to insult the majority of the law-abiding citizens and it doesn't deter the morons who think their own poo smells delicious and nothing they post could possibly be against the rules.

Here's a link to posted forum guidelines dated 2006:

http://www.ericsink.com/entries/BOS_Guidelines.html

No registration necessary in '03:

But requiring registration does NOT improve the quality of the conversation or the average quality of the participants.

Sifting through archive.org, even in late '07, users didn't have to register but were being gently nudged into creating accounts as anonymous posts would most likely be deleted.

In 2009, you'll now find that you can no longer post/reply unless you register:

This community works best when people use their real names. Please register for a free account.

What changed?

I'd really love to hear an updated take on this topic from Joel himself.

Any differences in creating or nurturing an online community now compared to 6 years ago?

Any new challenges?