So, you just started your discord? Looking to open it up to blocklanders? Follow these steps: (this is just a bunch of suggestions)
Step 1. ONLY INVITE FRIENDS UNTIL THE SERVER IS STABLE.
Your discord should be looking like this at this point.
This is the point where you build and get criticism.
Step 2. Verification System
You don't need a bot.
Create your member role.
Then, add your role here. On any channel you please.
Set the permissions for member to read and say stuff in the channel.
Make sure @everyone (the default role) isn't able to say stuff or look at it in the channels you don't want it to.
Voila!
The lock should be there. No one will be able to spam the discord unless you allow them in.
Step 3: Condensing channels
Most discords I see look like this.
General is a GENERAL channel. Rename it or simply add rules in place to not do certain things in certain areas. You can have multiple generals, such as VG-General. Don't pull a queeba and make everything have seperate channels.
The default starter pack:
This will basically make 4 easy channels that are guarenteed for people to use. Remove any (or merge them with general) if they are not used much.
Make channels according to what your users use.
Otherwise you'll end up like this.
Step 4: Rules and Announcements
These rules are basically useless. Get into the specifics depending on what you want.
Announcements - Make the announcements channel be unmessagable by @everyone. Then you can put whatever in there.
4. Logs
If you have notsobot, you can use .slogs to start logging in a channel. Use .slogs in the channel you want it to log in. This will show you who has joined without putting the message in general and will show you messages that are deleted and such.
5. Bans
Incase you ban a bunch of dudes or a bunch of dudes get banned, you can unban them by going to server settings and then bans.