Recruting staff for your server the first time can be daunting, especially when you have only just openned - but fear not, help is here! By following some of these simple tips, you can reduce the risk of being griefed or trolled.

The Application:
Writing an application can be a challenge, and finding one that looks right is just as hard. I've found the best way to collect applications is through the Application Widget on the Enjin forums. By doing this, players must join up to your enjin site to create an application, and you can also customise the widget to suit your needs.

I usually judge applications by the content - those applications with the most content and effort put into them displays the way the player will act on your server - if they are willing to put in the effort to make the application, they are willing to put the effort in on your team. I also take note of spelling and capitalization, but that often reflects back on the players age as well.

With your application page, be sure to state what information you'd like to receive from the player. Some examples include username, timezone and other staffing positions held on other servers. If the player is given a format - it is much easier for them to create an app and comparing apps is simplier as all apps follow the same/similar format.

Do Some Research:
When I look through applications and find one I like, I tend to google that players username. This shows the players activity, and often any reports put in about the player. I'd also recommend searching the players name in the MCBans list to see if they have been banned previously on other servers, and if so, what for. /]http://www.mcbans.com/player/[username]/ - where you replace [username] with the player's MC username. If a player does indeed have a few bans, it would be wise to steer away from them as they are untrustworthy. Keep in mind though, not all servers run the MCBans plugin so some players who have no bans could indeed have bans on servers who run another plugin.

Trust Your Gut:
It sounds pretty silly, but several times your gut instinct is right - a few times, on different servers, has my gut said no to a player being staff and when that player did become staff, things went bad. If you have a strange feeling that the player isn't legit or something's off, go with it - it isn't worth risking your server's reputation or files because of one player.

"Can I be staff"?
Ever seen that player who joins a server and instantly asks for staff? Who hasn't? My opinion on these players are, if they don't want to put in the time to play on your server, why would they put in the time to moderate. Many times, I've had players ask for staff, get told they can't be staff so early, and leave to never return. Those players who play on your server and tend not to talk about becoming staff are the best kind - as often, they will be willing to put in the time and can be trusted on the network.

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Whew, that got long. Anyway, I hope these things will help you next-time you are considering accepting a staff app.
Feedback is appreciated, and feel free to share and stories or experiences you've had - I won't bite. :P