diff --git a/scripts/getpiddir.php b/scripts/getpiddir.php
index d29c95cb08..9927cc6d95 100755
--- a/scripts/getpiddir.php
+++ b/scripts/getpiddir.php
@@ -18,15 +18,13 @@
  * along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-# Abort if called from a web server
-if (isset($_SERVER) && array_key_exists('REQUEST_METHOD', $_SERVER)) {
-    print "This script must be run from the command line\n";
-    exit();
-}
-
 define('INSTALLDIR', realpath(dirname(__FILE__) . '/..'));
-define('LACONICA', true);
 
-require_once(INSTALLDIR . '/lib/common.php');
+$helptext = <<<ENDOFHELP
+getpiddir.php - print out the currently configured PID directory
 
-echo common_config('daemon','piddir');
+ENDOFHELP;
+
+require_once INSTALLDIR.'/scripts/commandline.inc';
+
+echo common_config('daemon', 'piddir');