OBVIOUS DIFFICULTIES
I strongly promoted steem and I think a few family members and friends may have read a few of my posts on steem. I found steem on my own after my granddaughters became interested in chess. I created them a youtube page, website and wrote a chess program for them. They were big fans of (Stem) as they insisted on calling it. Most of my early post were written so they might like them. Many of my steem & Hive post are on their website blog page (www.bbgirlsgames.com). On some occasion the webpage got many views and possibly could have resulted in someone joining Hive or Steem.
Similar to you I have many friends some very strong chess players. I understand most are not interested in social media. It's been a while since I talk to an old chess friend he had stop playing. He gave a lot of understandable reasons but I know the real reason was a 70% decline in playing ability. I tried to convince him that my play had decline too but he insisted that I was still a chess Champ and tournament winner (LOL).
RECENT RECRUITMENT EFFORTS
I have talked to my two son about the Hive 20% apr saving.
Note: Trying to match your speed in our last match I decline to take your rook, I don't think it mattered that much though :).