We know the 9 finalists are going to be announced sometime today, so interpret the posting of this now as you see fit.  Today, we’re featuring Ashley Esqueda, who is vying for the LA loft, and although she unfortunately missed the deadline because of a personal matter, we’ve decided that her answers deserve to be heard.  In the interest of time, we’re going to spare you the usual introduction, so go ahead and continue reading after the break for the full interview with Ashley.

What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?

I’m the kind of person who lusts for a new cell phone six months before its launch — As the host of “This Week in Mobile,” I’m always on the lookout for new, revolutionary devices… so when GoogleTV was announced this year at I/O, I think I speak for my fellow geek crew when I say that ‘excited’ would be an understatement. That being said, when Logitech announced this contest, I felt like my hosting skills were a perfect match for the Los Angeles loft: Geeky, chic, and fun. This is the type of thing I was born to do: Host an event for a tech device that’s going to change the way we live. I talk the talk, AND I walk the walk.

Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?

I have lots of experience making fun of my co-host’s Apple TV! Other than that… not yet!

What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?

Let’s be frank: No one’s been able to do Internet TV right. No one. It’s such an exciting concept though! For me, the most exciting part is the seamless transition from web to television experience; no more swapping inputs to your PC (or opening up the laptop, or unlocking your smartphone while you lay on your couch) while you watch TV — it’s going to be right there, without any change in your comfortable environment.

Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?

It’s fairly apparent that web television, like the This Week In network and other sites like TwiT.TV are going to flourish because of this. On top of informational shows, we’re going to see a new model of fictional and reality television arise: Self-produced, self-written, and self-distributed on the internet. Sure, we’ve seen web series like Quarterlife do well enough, but now with a way to put longer episodes of web television on the set in your living room (and removing small-screen fatigue), creative people are going to start making fun, cheap, accessible content. Google TV will change the way cable models and potentially network television runs; quite like the advent of Youtube changed the way people distributed their self-made content to the internet, Google TV will do the same to television.

With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?

I don’t think people need to ‘foresee’ a shift away; I think it’s already happening! We’re seeing so many college students starting up their own production houses and running their creative concepts online as opposed to attempting to break down the iron doors of Hollywood studios. Speaking of those old-school studios, you’ll see they’re being forced to be more and more open to sites like Hulu and Netflix. They don’t WANT to give their content to people online. They want to cling tightly to their old ways, since it’s always made them the most money. Unfortunately for them (and fortunately for viewers), they’re having to adapt quickly to a major evolution in the way we consume entertainment. With smartphones capable of HDMI-out, instant streaming of film and television via sites like Hulu and Netflix, and now the launch of Logitech’s Revue and Google TV… networks are quickly becoming hard-pressed to continue ignoring these new avenues, which is great for the end user!

Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?

I can’t think of a single person in my network of friends, family, and tech bloggers/personalities that wouldn’t love to merge the internet and television on their main TV. I have a feeling set-top box fatigue won’t be too much of a problem — especially when you consider you’d have to put your desktop/laptop with TV-Out somewhere near your TV to get anything CLOSE to what Google TV offers

It’s going to become a bigger and bigger movement as people realize the value of what Google TV can do for their viewing experiences. Just like people adopted the TiVo as a box to add to their entertainment center, so will they adopt Revue!

Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?

Obviously, there’s events to be had! As the Los Angeles host, I’ve got all kinds of event ideas swimming around in my head. Obviously I’d like to really showcase how internet television can shine and compete with more traditional models — doing cross promotion with those online networks is a must, as well as giving people something amazing to talk about when they leave the Loft. That’s the biggest goal in my eyes: Stirring up word of mouth, getting bloggers talking about it, getting TV fans talking about it, getting TV stars talking about it. When people talk, others listen. Especially in TV, where word of mouth can make or break ratings. We have to get them to try it. Once they see the power of Google TV, there’s no more convincing in my eyes. They’ll immediately love the integration and tell all their friends!

Vote for me, and I promise to do everything in my power to make Google TV and Logitech’s Revue a smashing success!

Bio:

Hello, internet! I’m Ashley Esqueda, and I’m vying for the Los Angeles Loft! As a born and bred Southern California geek, I’m prepared to host events at the loft and spread the word about Google TV in fun, unique ways. I currently host “This Week in Mobile” (www.thisweekin.com/mobile) but I’m certainly not limited to cell phones — I’m well-versed in the world of tech, and I’m also well equipped to discuss Google TV’s impact on traditional models, as I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Television Production/Broadcast Journalism from Chapman University. As an on-air talent and stand-up comic, I’m prepared to put all of my skills and energy to work for Logitech and Google TV, and I think you’ll be thrilled with what I can accomplish. I also enjoy a nice stack of pancakes; therefore, a vote for me is a vote for pancakes,too! Won’t you think of the pancakes?