No it isn't, but for the vast majority of users, it is their first call because their hosting providers provide cpanel or similar with app installers (i.e. Fant

No it isn't, but for the vast majority of users, it is their first call because their hosting providers provide cpanel or similar with app installers (i.e. Fantastico) and the vast majority of those apps are going to have been written in PHP: https://netenberg.com/fantastico.php#fantastico-scripts.html https://netenberg.com/fantastico.php#fantastico-scripts.html The OP genuinely ha a good point. Diaspora needs to be as easy to install as Wordpress and as ubiquitous, and then it would gain real adoption. Sad, but true. Check out the Diaspora install instructions for Ubuntu: https://netenberg.com/fantastico.php#fantastico-scripts.html https://netenberg.com/fantastico.php#fantastico-scripts.html It starts off with: The install is a bit complex, but we're here to help. It's extremely helpful to have some experience in Linux/Unix server administration or Rails app deployment already. But don't worry, if you run into problems and need help, just visit us in our IRC channels on Freenode. If Diaspora wants a chance to win against Facebook then this is a shitty way to get users on board.