Stop using staff blocks for everything.

[salesman]

The news GUI that automatically opens when you connect has little bubbles to notify you when a tab has been updated.

I don't see a problem with staff blocks at all...they're temporary, easily noticeable, and can be used by virtually any staff member. They're a great tool for planting notifications or announcements relative only to a particular area, too.

i.e. the skateshop gets new skateboards, and a staff member places a staffblock on top of the building "Check out my new skateboards!"

Certainly not important enough to make the news GUI, but still something players might like to hear about.