[miah_]

Yes. I'd love to find other nerds into retro computing, UNIX, and pottery in my area without wading into groups or joining a forum. They know everything about me, match me up with some people I'd most likely get along with!

[_DeadFred_]

Isn't this what ancient local BBSs did? Back in the 90's when in my teens/twenties that was how I found interesting local groups of people/organic raves (i.e. not ones organized by promoters) outside my established circles in Santa Cruz/the bay area. Also some of the most uncomfortable/awkward unsocial/nerdfest social evenings so not everything was a hit.

I'm guessing that there are now Discords that fill this niche?

[8n4vidtmkvmk]

Just put a chatbox at the end of the feed, that all the locals get dumped into when they also hit the end. Maybe based on IP or something. Grouped based on which articles you clicked on. "Hey, we think you guys will like eachother. Why don't you organize a meetup?"