Discord is an online communication platform that allows you to create servers where users can chat via text, voice, or video. Whether you're a gamer , content creator , enthusiast, or professional, you can create a Discord server to bring your community together and share your interests.
But to ensure your Discord server is a pleasant, friendly, and secure environment, it's essential to establish rules that define the rights and responsibilities of members, as well as the penalties for breaking the rules . Clear and comprehensive rules will help you prevent conflicts, abuse, spam, inappropriate or illegal content, and effectively moderate your server.
In this article, we will explain how to create a set of rules for your Discord server , giving you examples of rules to copy and paste , as well as tips for adapting them to your context and needs.
What are the general rules to follow on Discord?
Before creating your own rules , you should know that Discord already has a set of general rules to follow on the platform . These rules are available on the official Discord website : https://discord.com/guidelines
In summary, the general rules of Discord are as follows:
- No harassment, threats, discrimination or incitement to hatred.
- No illegal content or content that infringes copyright.
- No spam, phishing or malware.
- No identity theft or misappropriation of personal information.
- No nudity, pornography or sexually explicit content.
- No gore, extreme violence or cruelty to animals.
- No sale or purchase of goods or services prohibited by law.
- No misuse of reports or calls.
- No evasion of sanctions or restrictions.
If you do not comply with these general rules, you risk being banned or suspended by Discord. It is therefore important that you remind your members of them in your rules and that your moderators enforce them.
What are the specific rules for your Discord server?
In addition to Discord's general rules, you can define rules specific to your Discord server, depending on the theme , audience , and tone you want to adopt. These rules should be adapted to your context and needs, but here are some examples of common rules you can copy and paste :
Be respectful, civil, and welcoming
Do not be rude , aggressive or insulting towards other members or moderators.
Stay on topic for the server
Do not use the server as a dating server or to promote your personal content. Use the appropriate channel for each type of discussion.
Respect confidentiality and security
Do not share your personal information or that of other members. Do not ask for or send money or gifts . Do not join the server with multiple accounts.
Respect the laws and copyrights
Do not share illegal, pirated, modified, or copyright-infringing content. Cite your sources if you use information from other websites or media.
Follow the technical instructions
Do not use inappropriate, offensive, or illegible nicknames, avatars, or messages . Do not overuse capital letters, emojis, reactions, or bot commands. Do not use bugs, exploits, hacks, or cheats.
Please follow the moderation guidelines
Follow the moderators' instructions and do not contradict them. Do not report messages or members unnecessarily. Do not discuss sanctions publicly, but contact the moderators privately.
These example rules are neither exhaustive nor mandatory. You can modify, add to, or delete them as you wish. The important thing is that your rules are clear, complete, and consistent.
How do you present your rules on your Discord server?
Once you've defined your Discord server rules, you need to present them clearly and accessibly to your members. Here are some tips for presenting your rules effectively:
- Create a dedicated channel for your rules . Name it #rules, #rules, #charter, or any other name that clearly indicates its content. Place it at the top of the channel list and lock it so that only moderators can post.
- Write your rules in a single message . Use headings, bullet points, emojis, or colors to structure your text and make it easier to read. Avoid overly long or complex paragraphs. Be concise, precise, and courteous.
- Pin your rules message . This will allow your members to easily find it by clicking the pin icon in the top right corner of the channel. You can also add a link to your rules message in the server description or the welcome message.
- Ask your members to accept your rules. You can use a bot that asks new members to react with an emoji or write a message to confirm they have read and accepted your rules. This will allow you to verify that they are aware of the rules and agree to abide by them.
How do you enforce your rules on your Discord server?
Creating rules for your Discord server isn't enough ; you also need to ensure they are respected by your members and moderators. Here are some tips to ensure good moderation of your server:
Choose your moderators carefully
They must be trustworthy , competent , available, and impartial . They must have a thorough understanding of your regulations and apply them rigorously and judiciously.
Define a system of sanctions
You must provide for proportionate and graduated sanctions in case of non-compliance with the rules . For example, you can use a system of warnings , mutes, kicks, or temporary or permanent bans.
Communicate with your members
You must inform your members of the penalties they face for violating the rules , and explain the reasons for these penalties. You must also give them the opportunity to appeal or request forgiveness if necessary.
Update your regulations
You must pay attention to feedback from your members and any problems that may arise on your server . You must be prepared to modify, add, or remove rules as needed, taking into account the evolving context and requirements.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Discord rules:
How do I create a Discord server?
To create a Discord server , you must first have a Discord account. Then, click the + button in the bottom left corner of the screen and select "Create a server." You will then need to name your server, choose a region, and select an icon. You can then customize your server by creating channels, roles, bots, and more.
How do I join a Discord server?
To join a Discord server, you need an invitation from the server owner or a member. You can receive an invitation as a link or a code. If you have a link, simply click on it and follow the instructions. If you have a code, click the + button in the bottom left corner of the screen and select Join Server. You will then need to enter the code and accept the invitation.
How do I leave a Discord server?
To leave a Discord server , click on the server name in the top left corner of the screen and select "Leave Server." You will then need to confirm your choice. Be aware that if you leave a server, you will lose all your messages, roles, and reactions on that server.
How do I report a member or message that does not comply with the rules?
To report a member or message that violates the rules, right-click on the member's name or the message in question and select "Report." You will then need to choose the reason for the report and provide evidence if possible. The report will be sent to the server moderators or the Discord team, depending on the severity of the violation.
How can I appeal a sanction if I believe it is unfair?
To appeal a sanction if you believe it is unfair , you must contact the server moderators or the Discord team, depending on the nature of the sanction. You will then need to explain why you believe the sanction is unfair and provide evidence if possible. The moderators or the Discord team will review your request and decide whether to uphold or overturn the sanction.
Conclusion
Creating rules for your Discord server is an essential step to ensure a positive atmosphere, good organization, and security. Good rules should be clear, comprehensive, and consistent, and should be tailored to your specific context and needs.
To help you create your rules, you can draw inspiration from the example rules we have given you in this article , but also consult other sources such as Discord's general rules, the rules of other servers similar to yours, or suggestions from the Discord community.
Remember that creating rules isn't enough; you also need to ensure they are respected by your members and moderators . To do this, you must choose trustworthy moderators, define a system of sanctions, communicate with your members, and update your rules as needed.
But what if Discord won't launch on your computer or smartphone ? There are several solutions to this problem, such as checking your internet connection, updating your Discord application, closing other programs that are using memory or bandwidth, or uninstalling and reinstalling Discord. This will allow you to fully enjoy your Discord server and its features.
We hope this article has been helpful in creating rules for your Discord server. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments. And if you liked this article, don't forget to share it with your friends!
