I used to Headmod on a rather large server (1,500 members+) and I learned some valuable things while I was there.
I decided to start my own server based on these beliefs:

1st: All players are treated fairly and equally, doesn't matter who you are, what language you speak, or how you want to play.

2nd: A game should be something you can jump on and have fun on, that includes multi-player servers.

3rd: The judicial team on the server should be there to help you, not treat you as an inferior.

4th and final: You should be able to build whatever you wish, however you wish without someone judging you or telling you how.

With these beliefs in mind I have created the "Fields Of Zen" Server!

As the name implies this server is designed for ONE purpose:
To jump on and play a peaceful and relaxing game of Minecraft.

To that end I have several features on this server to help with that, First is a Whitelist, that prevents random griefiers or spammers from jumping on.
To join the server you must first register on the forums.
http://fieldsofzen.site.nfoservers.com/forums
After which you will be added to the server whitelist and can start playing.
Please register with the same name as your MC id.

Second is a ranking system, everyone starts at "Recent" till they log enough play time to upgrade to "Experienced and then "Veteran".
This allows the server to properly distribute abilities and commands to long time players that may be dangerous in newer hands.

and Third This server uses the GrevierPrevention plugin.
http://dev.bukkit.org/server-mods/g.....ef-prevention/
This allows you to set up a protected area around your builds that only you and people you trust can alter.
This plugin goes a LONG way to prevent your stuff from being damaged or stolen.

Now that the non-griefer part is covered, let me give you the details about the server.
It's dedicated, which means there will be no lag on the server.
This is a Non-donation driven server! You can feel free to donate but it is never required!
I made this server because I miss interacting and playing with new people, not because I want money.

The server is a NON-PVP Survival style, means no flying, killing other players or creative mode.
It has standard day and night cycle, both good and bad mobs spawn.
It currently has two spawns, The main one for Recent and Experienced players and a second one for Veteran, Protectorate and Arbiter players.
This is actually not because of segregation of the ranks, each spawn has stores you can rent from the server, unfortunately new players will not be able to afford the prices that long time players require, hence a longtime player having a store in the new players spawn would almost assure it didn't go well.

This by no means prevents it, you may decide to rent available stores wherever you wish.
There is also Server store that will sell anything in game that you would not normally be able to get in MC.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....verstore2.png/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....rverstore.png/

For long travel we use a teleporter plugin.
If you have the resources, "Experienced" players and above can build teleporters between two locations to speed up the trip getting there.

Anyone who has built up sufficient "Claims Blocks" can decide to make a town, there is no limit the number of towns that can be on this server.
At spawn there are areas underneath the main walkway, when a town is set up and Arbiter will assign a command block to teleport players to that town and a return one.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....nwarphole.png/

This server's whole purpose if for you to have a place to play on without the headache of power hungrey mods and server owners, or risk of griefing or getting killed from other players.
Stop on by and check out the forum!
http://fieldsofzen.site.nfoservers.com/forums

Our Vent is 72.51.60.188 port 4554

Hope to see you there!
Pictures!
Second Spawn Sphere outside:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....reoutside.png/
Inside:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....reinside1.png/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....reinside2.png/

Main Spawn:
Village:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....wnvillage.png/

Market:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....awnmarket.png/

Castle:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....awncastle.png/

We also have a Hotel for players that don't want to immediately build houses and just want to explore.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....pawnhotel.png/

The rooms are small but the rent is cheap!
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....hotelroom.png/