Every server needs rules. The mistake most owners make is writing rules in legalese — long, dense, and unenforceable. Good rules are short, specific, and prioritized.
Below is the template we recommend. Adapt for your community.
The template
# Server Rules
1. **Be respectful.** No harassment, slurs, or personal attacks.
2. **No spam.** No mass-mention, no link drops in unrelated channels.
3. **Stay on topic per channel.** Read the channel topic before posting.
4. **No NSFW outside #nsfw.** Even in #nsfw, no minors, no real-life content without consent.
5. **No self-promotion** without staff approval. Includes other Discord invites, Twitch links, YouTube, etc.
6. **Use English (or [language]) in main channels.** Other languages welcome in their dedicated channel.
7. **Follow Discord's TOS.** This includes the 13+ age limit.
Breaking these rules can result in a warning, mute, kick, or ban depending on severity. Bans are appealed via DM to @ModMail.
Why this works
- Seven rules. Most servers over-rule. Cut to the essential ones.
- Each rule is one sentence. If a rule needs three sentences, it's actually three rules.
- Enforcement is mentioned. Members know what happens when they break a rule.
- Appeals path is named. Reduces drama by giving frustrated members a clear next step.
What to add
If your server has special features, add:
- Voice channel etiquette (no music in conversation channels, etc.)
- Bot command etiquette (use bot channels for spam-heavy commands)
- Monetization (no NFT/crypto solicitation, no MLM, etc.)