IMPROPER USE OF THE TELL COMMAND
The tell command is NOT to be used to determine if a particular creator is on, but invisible. Any creator receiving such a tell may take disciplinary measures up to and including smiting the offending character dead. This would probably only be done if there was cheating or PC harrassment of a creator involved, but the point remains: creators stay invisible for good reasons. Normally, it is to code without being disturbed. If you have an immediate, dramatic bug (ie, stuck in a room with no exits and no description) then go ahead and try to "tell" to any creator who might be logged on. If you have a question, put it in email.
Sorry to have to promulgate such a draconian policy, but the problem is getting ridiculous.
Desla
See Also: contacting creators