Meet a geek: Neha Tiwari

“Meet a Geek” is a pilot project of series of Interviews with cool geeks of the Interwebs. In the first interview (which I’m planning to do every month), I have the pleasure of talking with Neha Tiwari. Neha is San Francisco based geek,blogger, producer and host at Revision 3.

Davor: When did you first start working with computers and technology in general?

Neha: Well, my first computer was a hand me down from my uncle–I remember it running DOS and having the lovely yellow & black color interface color scheme. The only game on there was a Pro Golf game–which I played even though, honestly, I am not into golf!

Davor: Your first paid job was for CNET News.com, how did you like working there and what exactly was your job?

Neha:I loved working at CNET . My manager, Harry Fuller, was supportive and an inspiration for what I would hope to end up as in my career. The team at CNET News.com was smart, savvy and very friendly. While there, I was an Associate Producer that basically reported on a vast array of tech–from videogames to green innovations. I couldn’t ask for a better first paying gig!

Davor: I couldn’t help but notice that some really cool people left CNET in a really short period of time and continued their careers elsewhere. What motived you to quit your job at CNET and continue at Revision 3?

Neha: Well, I actually did not quit, but my department was closed. I know that a lot of people left, but I think that this media space is so small that everyone cycles through different companies. It’s good to keep it fresh and challenging.

Davor: Do you only do video editing at Revision 3, or are you also producing?

Neha: It’s actually reversed! I do mostly segment producing, but also edit some of my stuff as well.

Davor: What other geeky stuff do you like?

Neha: Oh man…what don’t I like! For starters, I have loved comic books since I was a child…and comic book conventions. Marvel has to be my favorite, but I was a DC fan growing up. Favorite hero? Spiderman, hands down! I also love learning about technology and how it all comes together. Plus, social networking is something that I love to research and experiment with.

Davor: … and non-geeky?

Neha: Hmm…non-geeky. Maybe socializing [offline], snowboarding, and reading the latest and greatest on the NY Times bestseller list.

Davor: What do you think about girls in the new media these days, do they really know their onions, or they are just there because they look attractive? (I am referring to female hosts of various new media shows).

Neha: Great question. The representation of women in media is a topic that I am very passionate about. Sure, women will always be judged on looks in media [look at CNN, for example], but that’s not to say that there is much more to them. It truly is just an exterior—honestly, come walk into Revision 3, and you will see that most of us “on-air” ladies don’t even wear makeup or do our hair when we aren’t on set. With personality, I really do think there is a fine balance between being likable on camera and a so-called “ditz.” I have met people who don’t seem to be genuine, or not really into what they are talking about. Luckily, I don’t work with anyone like that; from Sarah Lane to Veronica Belmont, these girls know and love the stuff they cover. My style is to always make sure that I truly believe in what I am producing. I won’t do it otherwise.

Davor: Can you tell me about the future projects you’ll be working on at Revision 3 or maybe some place else?

Neha: There are some things in the pipes, that are releasing very, very soon. I am pretty excited about them and can’t wait till they launch!

Davor: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Neha: This question isn’t fair. It’s like Sophie’s choice, and I can’t choose! I will tell you that I am a Star Trek TNG/DS9 girl, and that I love the “old” Star Wars films. I also think that Episode III isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.

Davor: In the end, I just have to ask you, are you single? (wait, someone is knocking on the window… oh, it’s Spiderman… :laughs

Neha: Ha. Well I like to keep my dating life pretty private…there is a reason it isn’t on my Facebook! But yes, I am pretty much single. Thanks for making this g33k squirm!

Davor: Neha, thank you very much for the Interview

Neha: You are very welcome. Thanks for asking such thoughtful questions!!

More about Neha Tiwari at: http://nehatiwari.com

All material published with exclusive permission.