Before you start here are some guidelines to keep the server at it best:
Have fun. It's a game, so don't be the cunt who ruins it for everyone.
Keep spawn clean. Gather resources like trees and plants away from spawn so it does not become barren. Mine away from spawn, you'll have better results anyway.
Bed in spawn. Each player should, when able, build a home in spawn where they can house a bed. This is to promote staying close together. Of course alternate beds can be placed in dangerous situations.