- Hierarchies are a âsystem of connected groupsâ, while networks are made up of connected series of self-contained ânodesâ which â[negotiate their] own relationships and [coalesce] into groupsâ.
- While hierarchies are organized from the top down, networks can be oriented in any direction. (This is one reason I feel like we should be able to orient things like the Obsidian graph to show nodes on a timeline as just one example of an orientationâŠ
- Hierarchies are resilient, helpful in navigating systems manually, and are good at organizing large amounts of data. Networks, meanwhile, are flexible and prioritize autonomy of the individual âobjectsâ or parts of the system.
- These two structures compliment each other and the overuse of one tends to require course-correction with the other. As a network expands, it can become difficult to manage; as a hierarchy expands, it can become difficult to form connections and relationships.
- Both are required for effective and enduring knowledge management.
- See more thoughts on the folders vs. tags vs. links debate in {3.3b} folders do not make my brain itch