Sean Keeley | Published Author, Screenwriter, and Blogger

Blogging Boot Camp Classes Now $25 Each

Sean — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 23:02:26 +0000

. Been thinking about starting a blog or taking one of the Blogging Boot Camp classes? February is a good month to start.

For the entire month, all of the online classes are available for $25 each. Each class is normally $50 so you’re getting the chance to take each class for 50% off!

Never blogged before and need to learn the basics? Take Intro To Blogging.
If you already know the basics, take Blogging 2.0 and learn how to build a community and make money.
If you want to start your own sports blog, take Sports Blogging 101 to learn about blogging for sports and how to grow a sports fan audience.

More info on the three online classes available:

Intro To Blogging – This class is for anyone who has ever wanted to start a blog but didn’t know where to begin as well as the blogger who signed up for WordPress, wrote their first post and then realized they didn’t know where to go from there. The two-hour online course will hold your hand as we go over the basics of blogging (how to start a blog, how to name it, what to write about, tips for building traffic). Everything you need to get off the ground and get blogging.

You’ll learn…

How to create your first blog.
How to write your first post.
How to come up with an effective blog name.
What kind of posts you should be writing.

Blogging 2.0 – Not only will this class build on what’s discussed in the Intro class, but it will also provide critical info for those who want to really expand their community, their traffic, their search engine optimization and make a little money while doing it. If you’ve already gotten a blog off the ground but need help taking it to the next level, this class should be extremely helpful for you.

You’ll learn…

How to find your blogging voice & niche.
How to build a community.
How to make your comment scannable and searchable.
How to deal with trolls and spammers.
Social media best practices.

Sports Blogging 101 – As a sports blogger, I know that there are certainly rules, topics and tricks that apply only to us. Building a sports community is unlike anything else on the web and this class will be all about how a sports blog goes from a voice in the crowd to leading the discussion. If you’re just starting a sports blog or want to learn some tips and tricks to make your current one even more popular, this is for you.

You’ll learn…

What sports fans are looking for on the web.
How to building a solid sports fan community.
What kind of of posts sports fans want to read.
How to manage comments & community.
Social media best practices.

Learn more about blogger, writer and Syracuse University Adjunct Professor (in blogging) Sean Keeley here.

October Special: 20% Off Online Blogging Classes

Sean — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 21:18:11 +0000

If you’ve been thinking about taking any of my online blogging classes, I’ve got a good deal for you this month.

For the entire month, all of the online classes are available for 20% off. Each class is normally $50 so through October you can purchase each one for $40.

Never blogged before and need to learn the basics? Take Intro To Blogging.
If you already know the basics, take Blogging 2.0 and learn how to build a community and make money.
If you want to start your own sports blog, take Sports Blogging 101 to learn about blogging for sports and how to grow a sports fan audience.

Upon payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation from me that includes a link to the webinar page where the classes are located as well as an attachment with a PDF of the class slides, which you can keep. The video link will never go away either so save the classes to watch later on as well.

More info on the three online classes available:

Learn How To Blog, Make YouTube Videos This October

Sean — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:15:06 +0000

Thinking about learning how to blog or how to improve the one you already have?

Need some helpful tips on how to go from 100 pageviews/month to 10,000?

Not sure where to create you blog and how to promote it?

Ever wanted to create a video and upload it to YouTube but you’re not sure how to do it?

Why not take a class to answer your questions? If you live in Western Washington, Sean Keeley is offering three classes this October that can help get you on the road to blogging and YouTubing (is that a word yet?) success. The classes will take place in Marysville, WA.

Introduction to Blogging

So you want to blog? Lean the tools to get started, design your blog, write your first post and start building an audience. Taught by professional blogger Sean Keeley.
Course #: 9741
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
When: Wednesday, October 10
Location: Community Center, 514 Delta Ave.
Age: Adult, 18 and older
Cost: $30
Register online at marysvillewa.gov or call (360) 363-8400

Intermediate Blogging

You know the basics; now fi nd out how to turn your blog into a must-read. Learn to fi gure out what type of articles you should be writing to attract more readers, how to bring your content to the masses, integrate social media and grow your community once you have it. Taught by full-time professional blogger Sean Keeley.
Course #: 9742
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
When: Wednesday, October 17
Location: Community Center, 514 Delta Ave.
Age: Adult, 18 and older
Cost: $30
Register online at marysvillewa.gov or call (360) 363-8400

Upload YouTube Videos

Uploading videos to YouTube sounds simple but there can be a lot to it. YouTube is a great tool and compliments other social media. Sean Keeley has been posting videos to YouTube for years. Whether you’re using a webcam or digital camera, he can show you the easy way to create, edit and upload videos to YouTube in order to share them with the world or just a few friends.
Course #: 9965
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
When: Wednesday, October 24
Location: Community Center, 514 Delta Ave.
Age: Adult, 18 and older
Cost: $30
Register online at marysvillewa.gov or call (360) 363-8400

Chick-Fil-A: Put Your Mouth Where Your Money Goes

Sean — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:35:15 +0000

I had a couple thoughts on the big Chick-Fil-A controversy that’s swirled, but I’ll make it brief since you’re probably tired of reading about how terrible/great Chick-Fil-A is. I know I am.

There have been two reactions I’ve seen from a lot of people who fall on the side of supporting gay rights but don’t seem to see an issue with eating at a place like Chick-Fil-A.

The first one is the “I don’t care what their beliefs or their CEO’s beliefs are, it has nothing to do with their food” reaction. I saw this a lot on Twitter. It’s unfortunate because it speaks to a disconnect that many people have with the things they consume and what happens to their money once they’ve handed it over.

The truth is, Chick-Fil-A has donated over $5 million over the years to organizations and campaigns that are anti-gay and support anti-gay causes. They donate to groups such as the Marriage & Family Foundation, Georgia Family Council and the Family Research Council, all of which support anti-gay legislation and agendas. That number doesn’t include the donations that Chick-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy makes personally.

Where does Chick-Fil-A get all that money? Oh right…from you. The money you used to pay for your chicken sandwich may just be part of those donations that support groups fighting equal rights for gay people.

If you’re okay with that, fair enough. If you don’t agree with those stances, why are you giving them your money? You wouldn’t give the Marriage & Family Foundation your money if they asked for it on the street, but you’re basically giving it to them by eating at Chick-Fil-A.

The second reaction I’ve noticed a lot of is the “we’ve known for years that Chick-Fil-A is a Christian company, why are you surprised?”

It’s true, Chick-Fil-A has worn its religiousness on its greasy sleeve for years. They’re closed on Sundays. They’ve supported anti-gay groups for a long time. They’ve quoted the Bible in printed materials.

It’s not that Chick-Fil-A has changed. It’s the rest of the world has.

If Dan Cathy says his company is “guilty as charged” in supporting anti-gay marriage stances in 1992, it probably causes a few grumbles but would probably go away soon after.

In 2012, however, you can’t get away with that. Not in a country were gay rights are being expanded and fought for every day. Not in the country where social media carries every piece of information to the far corners in seconds. Not in a world where gay rights is this politicized. No one can make discriminatory comments and get a free pass, even if they’ve already done it in the past.

At the end of the day, the gay rights fight will not be won or lost at a fast food restaurant. But to dismiss the value of withholding your money from a place like Chick-Fil-A because you don’t see the cause and effect of your $5 purchase is naive and lazy. Nothing in America speaks like money. Spend yours with intention, purpose and integrity.

Image: instinctmagazine.com

August Special: Purchase Two Blogging Classes For $75 (25% Off)

Sean — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:11:54 +0000

If you’ve been thinking about taking any of my online blogging classes, August is the month to do it.

For the entire month, you can purchase two classes, normally $50 each, for $75 total. You can mix and match however you want.

Never blogged before? Take Intro To Blogging and follow it up with Blogging 2.0.
If you already know the basics, take Blogging 2.0 and Sports Blogging 101 to learn all of the advanced steps.
If you want to start your own sports blog, take Intro To Blogging for the base and Sports Blogging 101 for the specifics.

Just make a note of which two classes you would like to sign up for upon purchase. Upon payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation from me that includes a link to the webinar page where the classes are located as well as an attachment with a PDF of the class slides, which you can keep. The video link will never go away either so save the classes to watch later on as well.

Here are the three online classes available:

If you’re interested in taking just one or all three of the classes, click here.

Read Sean’s Script God Complex on Amazon

Sean — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:24:52 +0000

Sean’s script God Complex has been added to the Amazon Studios site for consideration. The studio has 45 days to decide if they want to option the script for $10,000 or purchase it outright for $200,000.

You can check out the project and read it here. User comments and ratings are taken into account so feel free to add feedback.

Brief Synopsis:

In a suburban office complex outside of Heaven, it’s business as usual for “The Big Three” religions until a new religion threatens to convert all their believers on Earth. It’s up to Jesus, David and Mohammad to win back their followers before it’s too late.

Synopsis:

In New Heaven, a suburb of Heaven, the No. 1 business in town is Organized Religion.

For The Cross Corporation, business is booming. That doesn’t stop customer service rep Gordy (St. Gordon, Patron Saint of Candle Lighting) from suggesting some new ideas to unenthusiastic CEO Jesus Christ. Jesus tells Gordy that if he thinks he knows what’s best for humans he should just go start his own religion.

Gordy is consoled by his co-workers, Steve (St. Stevick, Patron Saint of The Milkshake) and Mitch (St. Mitchum, Patron Saint of Lutraphobia) who tell Gordy to take it in stride. However, when a shady benefactor approaches Gordy promising the opportunity to make his dream a reality, it’s too good to pass up.

With the help of some nefarious “temp” staff, Gordy strikes out on his own and his religion is soon dominating the marketplace. The CEOs of The Big Three (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) now have to put their differences aside and work together in order to win back their followers and remind everybody why their beliefs matter before the universe is forever changed.

God Complex is a biting satire on the world of organized religion that can be described as “Dogma meets Office Space.”

Assorted Articles & Reviews By Sean Keeley

Sean — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:13:42 +0000

A selection of articles from Sean Keeley, who’s work has been featured on Huffington Post, SBNation.com, Deadspin.com, Syracuse.com and FremontUniverse.com as well as being the author of How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way To Brainwash Your Child Into Becoming A Syracuse Fan.

Boeheim Stays in the Picture: Syracuse’s Script Just Keeps Getting Better – Huffington Post

It’s become a cliche to say that a particular sports team or season is worthy of becoming a movie, but in the case of the 2011-2012 Syracuse Orange basketball team, it’s hard to deny that a more interesting and meaty script could be written.

Usually, when we say that there should be a movie about a team, it’s in the vein of the generic sports flick. You know, the plucky underdog goes through a period where nothing seems to go right until their larger-than-life coach guides them into the playoffs where they find a way to persevere and beat the big, bad jerks for the championship?

Yeah, this isn’t that kind of movie. This isn’t a Steven Spielberg story.

This script is the kind that Michael Mann might direct. It’s gritty. It’s full of sordid details. It’s hard to separate the good guys from the bad guys. And it’s not really about whether or not the team wins it all in the end. Rather, it’s about a central character going through experience after experience and, possibly, making it out alive in the end… (read more).

Interpreting Jim Boeheim: You’re Doing It Wrong – NunesMagician.com

Nine times out of ten, when my wife and I have a disagreement over something I’ve done, it’s because of how I reacted rather than what I’ve actually done.

It’s not that I (yet again) did a terrible job cleaning the dishes. It’s the way I smirked when she confronted me. The way I tried to tell her I did a better job than she thinks. That it’s not THAT big a deal. That I lightly chuckle before I defend myself.

It’s all that other stuff that usually turns a one minute discussion into a fifteen minute fight for survival.

And she’s right. She’s absolutely right. I smirked and chuckled not because I think it’s funny or that she’s wrong but because I know I’ve f***ed up and that’s my defense mechanism. I know that I tell her it’s not a big deal because I’m ashamed that I am a 33-year-old man who still can’t clean a baking sheet to save my life and I feel like a schnook.

I get passive-aggressive. I curl up in a little ball inside my brain and do whatever I can to make it go away. That’s what I do (or, as I’d like to say, used to do).

Thank God there aren’t any reporters in the kitchen when I’m cleaning dishes. They might watch me smirking and come to the conclusion that I’m a jerk. That I’m selfish and arrogant and a terrible husband… (read more).

Gail Simmons Shares Stories & Souffle At Book Larder – Fremont Universe

Top Chef judge and Food & Wine magazine Special Projects Director Gail Simmons appeared at Book Larder (4252 Fremont Ave) Thursday morning to promote her new book Talking With My Mouth Full while providing a cooking demonstration.

While most of her appearances have been in bigger spaces, Simmons was excited for the opportunity to appear in a boutique store, remarking, “it makes me happy to see small culinary bookstores.” (read more).

Fear The Diablo Sauce But Not The Food At Pecado Bueno – Fremont Universe

“I wouldn’t.”

When asked if he would dab some Diablo Sauce on his tacos, Pecado Bueno (4307 Fremont Ave) owner James Schmidt passes on the opportunity.

That doesn’t mean you have to. Just know you’ll need to fill out a waiver, courtesy of the “law firm” Diablo, Sloth, Lucifer & Venal just to try it (read more).

The Dumpling Tzar Brings A Traditional Russian Treat To Fremont – Fremont Universe

It’s late. Two in the morning. You’ve spent your evening downing shots of icy vodka and you need to eat something before sleep claims you. You stop at the giant statue of Vladimir Lenin to check your bearings…you’re close. You head ’round the corner and walk towards a dark back-alley. No police in sight, good sign. You see what you’re looking for and walk inside. You order, what else, Russian dumplings. You scarf them down quick as you can and make your way home before the authorities can find you.

The question is…

Are you a Cold War U.S. spy living undercover in 60’s Moscow? Or are you in Fremont circa 2011?

Could go either way, really. Especially now that The Dumpling Tzar has come to town (read more).

IST 400/600 – Week 5: “Other” Blog Content

Sean — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:05:39 +0000

This post is for the students of my Syracuse University IST 400/600 class.

Hi everyone!

I decided to mix it up this week and post this week’s assignment as a blogpost. The syllabus calls for us to “Blog Promotion” but I’ve decided to switch it up with Week 7, “Non-Writing Blog Content.” I thought that coming off the week we learned about content creation and then community-building, adding more tools to the arsenal in doing both would be beneficial.

So this week I want to dig into any kind of content that we can create for our blogs that isn’t just typing words and “blogging.” These are kind of additions and ideas that bring a lot of value to your blog and differentiate you from the others (remember, what makes your blog unique?).

Here are some of the examples…

Video

What’s great about creating video content is a couple things:

Fresh way for you to create content and your user to digest it.
A way to add value to a blog post that’s otherwise generic information.
A way to connect with your readers on a personal level. They can see you and get a sense of who you are.
All you need is a webcam and mic and you’re good to go.
Another avenue for finding new readers, those who find the video outside your blog.

Depending on your blog and topic, you can create videos about the news of the day, a specific topic or opinion, showcase an event, conduct an interview or much more. Here is a video I did to discuss the news that Syracuse would be playing a basketball game against San Diego State next year on an aircraft carrier.

Obviously most people use YouTube for these kind of things thanks to their ease of use, but there are many other video sites available to you, including Vimeo, Daily Motion and more.

Podcasts

Basically a self-contained radio program on the web, podcasts also provide a lot of flexibility with the kind of content you can produce. Usually it’s either a free-flowing conversation or an interview between a host an guest. However, they can also be radio programs with music, live call-in shows, a video podcast or even a serialized podcast novel (think audiobook broken up into different sections).

Tools necessary for a podcast include a microphone, headphones, speakers, possibly a phone and a podcatcher website that can host your podcast. From there listeners can download it, listen to on the Internet or listen to it from a widget on your blog.

I use TalkShoe for my podcasts. It’s easy to use and automatically sends my podcast to various feeds such as iTunes where people can download/listen. There are also sites like Podcast.com that do the same thing. You can find a list of funny. interesting and popular podcasts here. And for more information on starting a podcast, this is a great resource.

Slideshows

Anytime you’ve got a photo album or collection of photos you’d like to post, you can offer up a clean presentation in the form of a slide show. It looks more professional that just dumping photos one after another on the blog and allows you to tell a story with your images.

Flickr users can easily create slideshows and sites such as Prezi and Smilebox can help you create slideshows and presentations that fit your style and voice. WordPress users will find quite a few widgets for creating slideshows directly within their blog, keeping things in-house.

Webcasts & Live Streams

Instead of creating a video, why not give a live video experience a try? It’s once again a great way to connect with readers but even more so because you’ll be interacting and reacting in realtime. Consider it your own live TV show on the Internet. The video can be you, it can be an interview or anything else you can think of. UStream and Livestream are two popular services for hosting live streaming video. Appearances can be promoted via your blog and social media and introduce new viewers to check out your blog. And the video will be saved and shared afterward.

You can find some more places to try streaming video here. And there’s more information on streaming and downloading videos here.

Week 5 Assignment

This week’s assignment is twofold. It will showcase a learning of one of the visual mediums above and also give you a chance to check out what your fellow classmates are doing and find out more about them and their blog.

Below is a list of each member of the class and their blog. Your assignment will involving reaching out to and getting in touch with the person who’s blog comes after yours. If you’re the last person on the list, just start at the top. So you should be reaching out to the blogger after you and hearing from the blogger listed before you.

Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros

(If I left you off, let me know!)

Once you get in touch, I’d like you to conduct an interview with the blogger you are reaching out to. The interview should involve one of the visual tools noted above. Some examples include…

You email them questions, they answer in video form.
You host a podcast with fellow blogger.
You email questions, receive written answers and photos provided of the blogger along with images of their blog that are put into a slideshow
You host a live stream that the other blogger joins you on.

Be creative. So long as you incorporate one of these methods into the process, the assignment will have been fulfilled. If you create a video or podcast, it should be incorporated into a blogpost. The final assignment is a blogpost link containing your interview.

As for the interview itself, assume your audience really wants to get to know your fellow blogger. Who are they, why are they blogging, what are they passionate about and what are they hoping to accomplish? Have fun with it, throw in some fun questions if you want to and keep things light.

Assignment due Sunday, 5pm ET. Any questions or problems setting up the interview, please let me know sooner than later. I’m extremely available during the week and on Sunday but not so much on Friday afternoon or Saturday (procrastinators beware)…

How To Grow An Orange: Personalized, Signed Copies Now Available

Sean — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:18:20 +0000

Being a parent is hard, right? Make the wrong decisions and your child can grow up to do something terrible, like root for Georgetown. How To Grow An Orange shows every parent how to make sure that never happens…by providing them with everything they could ever possibly want to know about Syracuse University sports. No Orange fan should be without this guide to the people, places and history of SU.

Author Sean Keeley is offering the opportunity to purchase your very own signed copy of How To Grow An Orange. It’s great as a gift for any Syracuse fan, grad or incoming student. And of course, anyone raising a little Orange or with one on the way can benefit from this book.

For $30 (shipping included), Sean will personalize a copy of How To Grow An Orange to anyone and include a special message for SU fans (as well as potential SU fans).

To order a signed copy, click here or on the button below and make sure to note the delivery address, name of person receiving book and any special requests for the personalization. Please allow 8-12 days for delivery.

How To Grow An Orange is also available on Amazon in print or e-book format.

Author’s Note:

When I started my blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician in 2006, I had absolutely no idea that I’d one day write a book about Syracuse sports. I didn’t even think I’d ever write a book. However every year I wrote the blog it was another year of Syracuse knowledge, history and passion under my belt. The more I learned, the deeper the traditions went and the bigger the fan I became.

I wrote the book first and foremost for myself. I wanted to learn the entire history of the school, the sports programs and the players that made it famous. As a Syracuse grad (’00), I wanted to find out what came before me and why its important to keep those traditions going.

I also wrote the book for every Syracuse fan out there interested in digging a little deeper into their love for SU. Whether its basketball, football, lacrosse or another sport altogether, if you love Syracuse, I hope you’ll enjoy this book. At the end of the day, I want it to be fun. It should be informative and interesting, but it should be entertaining as well.

To read an excerpt from How To Grow An Orange, click here.

Intro To Blogging, Blogging 2.0 & Sports Blogging 101 Online Classes Available Anytime

Sean — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:58:51 +0000

I had a lot of fun teaching my three online blogging classes last week. We had a bunch of folks taking Intro To Blogging for beginners, Blogging 2.0 for next-steppers and Sporting Blogging 101 for those interested in writing about sports. Some folks took all three classes while others picked the one perfect for them. I hope everyone got something out of the classes and I look forward to checking out their blogs as they grow.

Here’s the even better news. Now that the classes have been completed, that means the video recordings and slides are available for anyone who might have missed the classes! Anytime you want, you can view the video of each of the three blogging classes and read-along with the slides to get all the information you could possibly need to get your blog started or keep your blog growing.

If you’re interested in signing up for any or all of the classes, you can do so below. Each class is $50 and that’s good for the class video and slides. Upon payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation from me that includes a link to the webinar page where the classes will take place as well as an attachment with a PDF of the class slides, which you can keep. The video link will never go away either so save the classes to watch later on as well.

Sean’s Bio

With over ten years of experience in professional blogging and online writing, Sean Keeley understands what it means to create, build and maintain an independent blog from scratch as well as manage and maintain a blog owned by another company. He now supports himself solely on income based on his blogs.

Sean founded the Syracuse sports blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician in 2006 and has since grown it into the No. 1 independent Syracuse blog, averaging more than 700K pageviews/month. The site has been featured on ESPN.com, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Deadspin, Syracuse.com and many other sites.

Based on the success of his Syracuse blog, Sean published How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way To Brainwash Your Child Into Becoming A Syracuse Fan in 2010.

His writing has also been featured on Huffington Post, SBNation.com, FremontUniverse.com and other prominent websites and blogs.

In 2011 Sean became an Adjunct Professor at Syracuse University, teaching “Blogging For Information Professionals” in Syracuse’s School of Information Studies. He will be teaching that class again this upcoming summer.

What Do People Have To Say About Sean Keeley’s Blogging Classes?

“I had high expectations taking a blogging course from Sean Keeley, and he exceeded all of them. Who better to teach us how it’s done than someone who has built a very successful blog from the ground up and who totally “gets it”? Sean understands the different learning styles of his students and realizes that the best way to learn blogging is to…well…just do it! His assignments were fun and engaging, and they worked perfectly to teach us how to be effective bloggers. You’d be silly not to take this course.” – Kim Brown, Alumni Programs Coordinator, SU Career Services

“Prior to taking Sean’s class, I was a hesitant blogger at best. Sean gave me the tools I needed to become a confident blogger, which is of utmost importance. The knowledge Sean has in his head on how blogging works, and how to make it work for you, is invaluable. He is a natural teacher who takes into account the varying degrees of prior experience his students possess, and is able to adapt his lessons accordingly. I wholeheartedly endorse Sean Keeley & his blogging course!” – Kelly Lux, Community Manager/Social Media Strategist, Syracuse University

“Sean Keeley is a true expert on professional blogging, with knowledge that comes from actually doing the hard work of building and managing an online community. On everything from content to strategy and monetization, you will not find a better teacher than Sean.” - Anthony Rotolo, Asst. Professor of Practice, Syracuse University iSchool

FAQS

HOW MUCH DO CLASSES COST: $50 for a video of each entire course and copy of Powerpoint slides from course.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP BY: Anytime you like!

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A BLOG YET: I suggest you visit WordPress and create a basic blog. They provide easy-to-use instructions on how to get started. With this ready, you’ll be able to apply what you learn in the class right away.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED: A computer, a working Internet connection and computer speakers.

HOW DO I SIGN UP: Click on the corresponding button below to purchase each course. Once payment is received, you will receive an email from me with a video link and slides.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS: Please feel free to email me at seanmkeeley-at-Yahoo-dot-com.