While women in tech media are a growing group, let's face it: most high profile geeks are still guys. The ever-hip Veronica Belmont is a notable exception. A spark plug of a lady with serious street cred in technology, gaming and social networking, Belmont got her start as a producer and on-air talent for CNET. She then moved on to hosting the popular video show Mahalo Daily and is currently focusing Qore (a monthly digital magazine about the Playstation 3 for Sony) and Tekzilla, a weekly show she co-hosts on tech video channel Revision3. She lives with fellow techie and former editor of Engadget Ryan Block (dare we call the handsome pair the Brad and Angie of Silicon Valley?) and boasts a whopping 1.6 million Twitter followers!
Our own Cat Schwartz nerded out with her in between Tweets.
Cat Schwartz: So how do you describe what you do?
Veronica Belmont: I'm an online video host, podcaster and blogger from San Francisco. In my work, I talk about technology, Internet culture, and gaming.
CS: How did you get your start in this lovely industry and what are you all about these days?
VB: I got my start as a video and audio producer for CNET, where I produced and hosted several shows. I've been a geek for as long as I can remember, so it was the perfect job for me! Originally I was known most for producing Buzz Out Loud, CNET's daily tech news show, and now I'm over at Revision3 (an online video network) where I co-host a show called Tekzilla. We take viewer questions, do product reviews, and generally nerd out for about an hour every week! I also host a show called Qore on the PlayStation Network, which is a monthly gaming show that we produce for Sony.
CS: You're pretty hardcore on Twitter.
VB: I started on Twitter very early, joining up in October of 2006. For a good amount of time, I was the most-followed female on the site, which was pretty awesome! Then they added the Suggested User List, which I was fortunate to be a part of. That meant that when a new user joined the site, they were given a list of people that they could automatically add as friends in order to help give them a feel for how Twitter works. Hopefully I've been a good example!
CS: From where you sit on the cutting edge of tech, you must see a lot crazy stuff come out. Where are the most fascinating innovations?
VB: [Growth in] mobile technology has been really impressive within the past few years. It's still pretty incredible to me that we're basically carrying around little computers in our pockets, which are way more advanced than the desktop machines I was working on 10-15 years ago. Since I'm a big gamer, I'm also looking forward to technologies like motion control and 3D, because the more immersed I am in the gaming environment, the better!
CS: As you know I'm eBay's tech and toy girl, so I have to know: Are you into eBay at all? If so, do you buy or sell?
VB: I've been using eBay on and off for the past 10 years! I've probably bought more than I've sold, although I've been going through a phase recently of selling my (gently used) extra shoes on the site. My closet is getting a wee bit overstuffed [so this is a good way to clear them out]! In the past, I've bought a lot of vintage clothes, posters, and boots. There's always something good to find, if you know where to look!
CS: Ah ha! A true girl at heart! So what are five gadgets you can't live without?
From left to right: HP Mini 1000 (approximately $200-$500) When I need more than an iPhone but don't want to lug around a 15-inch notebook, I grab my Mini! I'm running the netbook OS Jolicloud on it, and it works great; Kindle 2 (approximately $250-$300) I read before bed every night, and my Kindle easily stores all my books in one place. It's also my constant travel companion!; iPhone 3GS (approximately $500-$1000) My iPhone is my portal to the world when I'm away from my laptop! I use it more for internet than calls.
From left to right: MacBook Pro (approximately $900-$1500) While I'm ready for a new one, this machine has kept me going for almost three years. Mine has seen better days, but I don't know what I'd do without it; LiveScibe Pulse Pen (approximately $150-$200) I just got this and I'm loving it! It records all my handwritten notes, and even saves audio and syncs the two together. Great for meetings.
**Images of Veronica Belmont provided by Belmont.**
Cat Schwartz is eBay's Tech Expert.
Veronica, it sounds like you can replace the Mini and Kindle with an iPad! I can only assume that’s in the plans for you??
It was Impressive interview. I just curious of the show she host. it makes me interested in Veronica
I`m going to participate in making her having the most female followers.