Server issues, how to identify them, and what to do about it (after mandatory panic, of course)

Because this seems to be relevant

I was notified about an hour ago that there was something wrong with the forum, with the description of the problem being:
"All I can see is rotating dots and a number 102503"

As soon as I received the info I went to have a look at the sitch, but didn't see anything wrong with the forum. That, however, doesn't automatically mean there isn't a problem, so I did a bit of research to find out what it had been all about. What I found out is that it's just a sign of the server having issues, most likely the traffic being too big (in all the forums in general, not ours in particular), and nothing to actually worry about.

In short: if there's rotating dots and a string of numbers, it just means that the server is likely busy and you will want to wait a bit and then try again. The issue will most likely be gone by then. No panic necessary, but feel free to indulge in it for a little bit if you want to. After all, that'll pass the time nicely

That is all, carry on, ponies~