Well, I don't really see many "how to's" on the web, and I don't feel like mindlessly attacking the Mudcat forum for no other reason than sheer bloodymindedness, so I'll attempt to provide basic advice about the *gasp* actual question asked.

First, the moderators of the list should sit down (figuratively or literally) and determine what their rules will be. Will posts be limited to a certain amount per poster per day? Will they be available on a website, sent out instantly, screened through a moderator, sent out in daily/weekly/monthly digests?

Other questions to consider:
How will you handle "off topic"? Assuming a moderated mail list, someone's going to need to have some sort of guideline about what to allow and what to disallow. Some lists allow for pure free expression, regardless of appropriateness. Some only allow very rigidly defined posts that are strictly monitored to verify their "correct" posting.

Also, how will you handle transgressions? Are you going to put teeth in the policies you create? How are you tracking members? Is it going to be a fully public list, with no restriction on membership? A members only forum? Will you give warnings for excessive OT posting, or just not allow any to begin with? What will your banning policy be?

You have seen a lot of the "evolution" of the forum/board concept here - the 'cat's actually a good example, as despite the drooling trolls and spats the site is still going strong. Take what you've seen here, and apply it. Don't be afraid to lift ideas and managerial styles from other sites and lists - if it works, why reinvent it?

Anyway, hope this is something you can use.

M