When using the official Mastodon app (as suggested in the "guide") "instances" are not a factor at all (unless the user specifically goes out of their way). A new user could have never even heard of the term "instance" and the above steps would work fine.

You don’t just download the app, create an account, and go.

Actually with Mastodon this is literally how it works.

EDIT: I should say this is how it works now, it didn't always used to be this way. The official Mastodon app used to ask the user to pick an instance, but for a number of years now it defaults every new account to mastodon.social unless they opt out. There was a big brouhah about centralization but the Mastodon devs felt it made for easier on boarding.

exactly. and trying to downplay potential users as stupid before they've even used a social media platform isn't going to exactly make them want to stay. or even try in the first place.

just makes mastodon look like a place where nerds reign free and normal folks won't be able to participate effectively.

if you want to make mastodon a destination and not a niche corner to be avoided, this is not the way.

i agree with you completely.

edit: I should clarify, the "guide" above is the thing insulting users. the guide is inaccurate.

then you need to decide your instance

Just use mastodon.social

If you feel like you want to join a more specific community then you can

Thanks for the honesty!

It used to blow my mind that the "omg how can the vote for Trump are they blind fanatics!n!?" would be the same "Omg how do you not see how easy this is!!?" people, but now I realize it's just people being loyal to their team, whatever it is.