There's nothing a forum can do--no rules or requirements or anything imposed on members externally--that is going to ensure "credibility," let alone ensuring a loftier goal like having a forum that is good or helpful.

I think that credibility in the eyes of a reader ultimately comes from the quality of the posts and that requires some care, some thoughtfulness, and oftentimes, even some self-restraint, on the part of posters. I think we've been fortunate that we have a membership that exhibit these traits. The regulars posting at any given time has changed over the years but I think we've maintained a pretty high level of quality, civility, and credibility through that whole time.