Is a TOS necessary for every site?
Essential, unless you want to endure endless complaints about there being no rules, so how can they be banned because they didn't do anything wrong, because nothing's wrong because there are no rules.
Be blunt. Say that people are expected to behave well, and that if you think they aren't behaving well then they'll get one warning, then be thrown off.
Make it clear that you are a benevolent dictator.
Besides, how am I supposed to figure out all the rules at the beginning. I don't know what direction the site is going to take even a month from now?
I understand your point but I'm afraid it requires me to make decisions about things before the paint is dry.
The TOS should be something like:
It's impossible to say clearly exactly what is and
is not appropriate behavior. Be nice, play nice,
and don't be evil. If I think you're behaving
badly I'll tell you. If you keep doing so you'll
be barred.
I intend to be fair and just.
My decision is final.I guess when the site does make some money, I can always find a legal copy writer to write one for me.