Hey, sorry for the delay in the response .. I haven't been checking back lately.
Delivering a touch attack with the staff works two ways, depending on the intention of the caster. It effectively extends the caster's reach, but also allows the spell to accompany an actual attack -- each follows the appropriate precedent as follows:
The staff may deliver a spell as though via touch in the same round the spell is cast -- the bond between the caster and the staff is close, it is effectively an extension of his body for that instant. In this case, the staff does not deal it's normal damage; the target isn't being hit, just touched. Touch attack rules apply.
Attacking to deal damage is still a standard action -- the staff stores the spell in the round it is cast, and it discharged upon the next successful attack. If you want to be extremely picky, the next attack that would've hit as a touch attack (neglecting any armor bonus) would deliver the spell, while the attacker would need to overcome the target's normal armor class to deliver the spell and the damage from the staff's attack. (I think that's a little complicated and would cause more questions than it answered in the article, but I like it and use it at home.)
The reasoning behind this? In order to get in a good swing or thrust with a staff a little preparation has to occur -- you have to aim for an unarmored spot, and deliver the blow with some force. A casual touch requires much less in the way of accuracy and force -- just enough contact for the caster's and target's auras to connect.
I hope this clears things up. Sorry if I was unclear in the article, though thanks for reading it. :)
--ben
ben vandgrift
somethingfamiliar@gmail.com