Looks like interest in Zude overwhelmed the servers, not once but twice. I was able to go and sign up the other day and add my avatar and do a few other things. I planned on doing more when I got home but other things took higher priority.
From what I was able to see, Zude is pretty easy to work with. I didn’t kick the tires enough to see how it would be a benefit to me and hope to do so soon, once it is back up.