In life, a person can join a circle of friends in a conversation without explicit approval of the circle or any one individual. And if those people like what is added to conversation, they’ll be inclined to hear more. There are no follower counts or even any indicator of reach of any given person.

This could be replicated online without the need to follow anyone. Show notes from people you’ve interacted with and add the ability to show fewer notes if desired. Extend conversations to x degree of connection (other people the person you’re interacting with has interacted).

No explicit relationships or status - just people talking to people.