The basics
Let’s start by getting to know you and your writing career a bit better. When did you start writing opinion columns?
Michael Busler of Funding Democracy: I started writing back in the late 1970s—over 40 years ago. I lived in the Philadelphia area and wrote for The Philadelphia Bulletin, which was a top 10 daily newspaper at the time, and also for The Philadelphia Inquirer. I also wrote for the Pittsburgh Gazette, Asbury Park Press, and a few others in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area.
About 20 years ago, I began writing online columns. I started with Conservative Daily News, and I still post there. For the past 13 or 14 years, I’ve written a weekly column for Newsmax, also featured on BizPac Review. I publish on Medium, Substack, and Facebook under Funding Democracy.
I’ve always approached economics from a free market perspective. I aim to make complex ideas easier to understand for everyday readers and often present both sides of an issue, like the debate over raising the minimum wage, before giving my opinion.
How did your passion for writing begin?
Michael Busler: It started back in graduate school in 1976. Professors would explain concepts that didn’t always sit right with me. I began writing columns, though my first 13 were rejected. Eventually, one got published and it won an award about the free enterprise system.
A pivotal moment was writing to Milton Friedman in 1976, right after he won the Nobel Prize. To my surprise, he responded. We corresponded for about four years, and he gave me feedback on all my columns. His mentorship helped solidify my views on free market economics.
Once I started getting published and saw that people, including Friedman, were interested in my work, I just kept going. I’ve had a publicist who helped expand my reach, getting me into Townhall, The Hill, Epoch Times, Daily Signal, and others. That built my audience and kept me writing every week.
And you’re also a professor?
Michael Busler: Yes, I’ve been teaching for about 30 years at Stockton University, near Atlantic City. I live down the beach and I’m Chair of the Finance Program. I’m a full professor there, and I continue teaching and writing.
Who is your ideal reader? Do you write with someone in mind?
Michael Busler: I write for people who want to become informed voters, those who care about public policy and economics. I aim to explain both pros and cons of issues so readers can form educated opinions and vote accordingly.
Tips and tricks
Do you have any tools, tips, or sources to recommend to new writers?
Michael Busler: Practice a lot and don’t get discouraged. As I said, my first 13 columns were rejected. Once I got published and even won an award, that helped. One thing that improved my writing was comparing what I submitted to what editors published. That’s how I learned to write better.
Practice a lot and don’t get discouraged.
Platforms like Medium or Substack are great for beginners because they don’t edit, allowing you to publish freely and build an audience. Eventually, aim for publications with credibility. Include a contact email so people can reach out. Many of my radio and TV interviews came from someone reading a column and inviting me on their show.
Expand your reach with blogs, podcasts, or talk radio. Just keep going and don’t let rejection stop you.
How do you balance short posts with deeper pieces?
Michael Busler: I try to keep all my opinion columns around 700 words. That was the standard for newspapers, and I’ve stuck with it. It’s long enough to explain things but short enough to hold attention.
The challenge is making economic terms understandable. If I say “marginal propensity to consume,” people tune out. So I try to translate technical language into plain speech, rounding numbers when needed to maintain clarity without distorting meaning.
I think I’ve done a good job, but even after 40 years, I’m still learning.
Even after 40 years, I’m still learning.
Can you tell us where we can find your work?
Michael Busler: Every one of my columns is on facebook.com/fundingdemocracy. I’ve been on Newsmax since around 2013—just search my name on their site. I’m also on Medium and Substack under my name, Michael Busler.
Choosing syndication
What motivated you to partner with Newstex?
Michael Busler: I know the value of your organization. I’m always trying to expand my reach, and Newstex seemed like a great partner for that. So far, it’s working well, and I look forward to a bright future together.
Michael Busler, Ph.D., is a distinguished economist, public policy analyst, and Professor of Finance at Stockton University in New Jersey. As a passionate advocate for free market principles, Dr. Busler excels at breaking down complex economic issues into clear, accessible language. With over 40 years of experience, he has contributed opinion columns to major publications, honing his ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. His current work includes weekly columns featured on platforms such as Newsmax, Substack, Medium, BizPac Review, and Facebook (Funding Democracy).
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