From what I gathered (that is, an internet search), it's a UI-side glitch. Lemmy IS just a prototype that is being put through the meat grinder with all the Reddit refugees.

In my experience? It doesn't even make a difference. You'll see "subscribe pending" communities on your sub feed like normal.

If you unsub and resub a few times it should work anyway.

[–] atkion@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

I believe it just means that the instance you tried to subscribe to hasn't responded to the federation request yet. Just wait a while and it'll resolve itself, assuming they haven't blocked you or something (and assuming that instance isn't down).

[–] catsarebadpeople@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've had pending subscriptions for 5 days now. Are things overloaded that badly?

[–] darkwing_duck@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Try cancelling and trying again.

[–] catsarebadpeople@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

Yep that did it. I had to do it like 5 times but eventually got subscribed. Thanks!

[–] Hanabie@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Some servers, like lemmy.ml or beehaw are aching under their respective load, so everything takes a while. Couldn't even log into lemmy.world, which is why I wandered off to sh.itjust.works

[–] darkwing_duck@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

I love this instance and I hope it continues putting people off with its name.

[–] Hanabie@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

The name and logo make it extra awesome :D