I think this is a great idea. If people wrote front ends to the blockchain, then it would facilitate this shift. Much like Facebook groups were used to setup local trade guilds. The current front end of steemit would not facilitate this well, but if other front ends were written to make the collection, curation and presentation of this information easier, I think it would easily create 100,000 in the UK, millions around the world.
With the flood of writing taking place, curators will be in high demand. I like it!
Good to see you here Rob! This is a great idea! I like it too!! I only bounce back to fb because of the contact I have with locals and to connect with friends and family that are not on Steemit.....yet. This idea of means to have local groups is whirling in my mind! I am not a coder or developer, but inevitably, dreams do come true!! Have a wonderful day friend, great to bump into you here! Namaste