So this got me wondering:

Whose the idiot who set the standard for using blocks to announce a message?
At the least use a sign image >_>

Which is also in the information tab in the news gui :\

As you didn't quote anyone, I assume you're directing this at me.

I think I saw 4 around OSL alone.

Yes sir. I agree

2 crono luv tsadmin

Hahaha, nice one TSA. Been a while.

That defeats the purpose of having the blocks block....

Its not like the blocks are in the way of walking around, so what would making them not block do?

Can someone name a few scenarios or instances where staff blocks have been used and what purpose they served.

1. to block players from hotel because of glitch
2. to have important announcements at unstick me on the roofs of buildings. Such as how to properly send an image to be uploaded

Thanks.

For something like this I would have thought that a solution that meets the theme would have been obvious. Remove the warp link in the actual level and place a "closed" sign on the door? Place shutters over the windows? Board the place up? Place an NPC "member of staff" outside saying that the building is currently being renovated? Something that isn't breaking the 4th wall.

Most people would read the information GUI to get things like graphic uploads, it is pretty common sense that the information would be there. I don't really see a need for this block at all. Important announcements or changes could be announced by newspaper boys/girls spread around different points of the server selling papers and acting like a ticker of current headlines and need-to-knows.

this was a pointless topic

How is it pointless?

that's a pretty good idea to replace staff blocks blocking off areas, but the blocks would still be good for emergency purposes.

I agree, staff blocks can be useful for short term problems but when something is genuinely going to take a while to sort out then other methods should be used, unlike what happens currently. Perhaps a staff tool that can lay something along the lines of what I suggested? :p

Ya, I get on every couple of months and see the same staff blocks blocking off closed hotels and crap on the southern side. I mean what's so hard about putting up a closed door?

Doors perhaps should be scripted so staff can easily lock/unlock them by special mouse/keyboard combo. That way if something is closed, all they have to do is click on a door to lock it and not block it off with staff blocks.