My Final Post

Well, it has definitely been a wonderful experience working at the KIA. I had a wonderful supervisor, Paul who was extremely patient and understanding. I can only hope the we accomplished what he had envisioned for this semester. I will definitely miss the KIA, but will visit it often.

Paul took Laura and I out for a lovely lunch on Friday afternoon. We took a walk downtown in the beautiful spring weather to Sushiya, a new sushi restaurant that just opened. I was our only monetary reward for working this semester, but far from the only reward.

I got to learn a lot about a very different aspect of public relations and marketing- viral marketing. Learning how to use the Internet to your advantage is a very important skill to master. No matter who you are, or what your doing, the Internet is a tool for all of us. I realized that even with two interns working for 14 weeks, that we barely skimmed the surface of what is possible. It's cool that I will be able to see the progress of the future interns because their work will only be a mouse-click away. I'll get to witness the evolution of our MySpace, Facebook and Blog from my computer.

To wrap up my time at the KIA, I will be continuing to pass out fliers to local business, I am researching some possible catering options for Paul and I am reporting to Paul for my last time tomorrow morning.

Its been a great experience; thanks to Laura, Paul and the KIA for all of their help and support!

- Gabi

Why I hate the Internet; by Gabi Contesti

Well, I really didn't see that one coming! I haven't been able to log on for some time now and I'm not exactly sure why. The Internet has been throwing me some curve balls lately. I like to think of myself as Internet savvy and technically inclined, but lately I've had anything but an easy time with my viral marketing projects.
(If I were trying to study an exam, I'm sure the Internet would work without a glitch, but when it comes to trying to be productive... no dice!)

Since my last blog, a lot has happened. Our MySpace page is up and running (and looking beautiful if I say so myself!). The address is www.myspace.com/kiarts. The Facebook club is gaining more members by the day, and my latest project on YouTube has surprisingly already been hit a few times. I edited a video of our Art and All That Jazz event and posted it up on YouTube. The minute and half film is a montage of clips that will hopefully promote the monthly event. The KIA's Art and All That Jazz is a Friday night event that incorporates entertainment, live music, food, drink, and great company while touring the latest KIA exhibit. Last month was a spotlight on the Car as Art exhibit. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jCb9ya9y1o)

My latest project on the Internet (ugh) has been another difficult challenge. I am currently trying to upload some of the wonderful entries from the Teen Filmmakers Festival onto YouTube without success. I will be sure to blog as soon as they are up, as I will be very ecstatic, and I'd love to promote the students hard work. The films are really excellent!

Finally, I booked a DJ for the 2007 High School Area Show reception. A lesson I've learned quickly in my 'adventures in PR' have been that networking will make your life so much easier. A friend I made at the radio station last semester was Eric P. He is a very talented and skilled DJ who hosts a show on Monday nights. He'll add a great element to the reception and I'm looking forward to having him there. Check back for a link to the uploaded video of the High School show.

I'll check back in with more progress soon!

Gabi