Random "Server busy" message for guests

[tobias_t]

Hi there,

I recently came across a forum (not vBulletin-based) that seems to give guests "high server load" messages from time to time, denying them entry, while at the same time telling you that logged-in users can still freely access the forums.

So I am wondering whether this is really a technical necessity, or rather a scheme to drive guests to register and log (it certainly worked with me ;-), and whether something similar is known to be around for vBulletin.

Thanks,

Tobias