Paul M forgive me but i have an idea.
When the user efforts to enter the forum, it should open but we can put a note at the top of the page when its busy.
Code:
<div id="header_busy" style="position:absolute;font-family:arial,sans-serif;background:#b21b1b;color:white;font-size:12px;top:0;right:0;"> <font color="#FFFFFF">Server is Busy!</font></div>
can i explain?