The Power of Asymmetric Knowledge

This recent post by Joshua Porter at Bokardo comparing a symmetric social network (Facebook) with one that enables asymmetric social networks (Twitter) is worth reading.

Though the authors don't say it quite this way, my snap reaction was:

Asymmetric relationships are more powerful because they enable much more agile and adaptable in matching information to a decision context.

Symmetric relationships require a much richer shared context...which allows for deeper exploration of a specific context, but is much less agile/adaptable.

Porter links to James Governor's Monkchips blog on the topic which states "Asymmetric Follow is a core pattern of Web 2.0"...which sounds about right.