Linode Support Says: Hello, I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are experiencing. The backup service in the Fremont, CA is currently undergoing maintenance which is preventing backups for your Linode from being taken. Our backups team have been working diligently to restore functionality, but unfortunately some unforeseen circumstances has been delaying this process. Once the maintenance is complete and the Linode Backup system is back in an operational state, backups for your Linode will begin processing normally. Please accept our most sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may be causing you. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate in letting us know.

I am a big fan on Linode. But what is disappointing is that there is no message on the Linode Status page: http://status.linode.com/

This message is an FYI in case you use the Linode Backup Service as well.