“Many columnists strive for an unusual take on the news,
but Bill Shein succeeds.” — National Press Club

A three-time winner of the National Press Club Award for Humor, Bill Shein is that rare writer and newspaper columnist who is not afraid to write about himself in the third person.

In addition to writing Reason Gone Mad, a column of humor and commentary that has appeared in the Berkshire Eagle since 2004, Bill travels the world to train humor writers in emerging democracies in the fine art of poking fun at the powers-that-be.

He also frequently embellishes his biography, often with the absurd claim that he “travels the world to train humor writers in emerging democracies in the fine art of poking fun at the powers-that-be.”

In 2004, Bill hit the mock campaign trail as “Will Markson: America’s Favorite Fictional Candidate for President” to promote ideas for fundamental democracy reform. His appearances at colleges, high schools and elsewhere across a dozen states used humor to engage audiences and make the case for reinvigorating our democratic structures and election laws.

From 1996-2000, he wrote the “Daily Buzzsaw” humor column for America Online. Prior to AOL, he was editor of “Washington Wit,” a popular but short-lived biweekly humor tabloid in the nation’s capital. Prior to “Washington Wit,” Bill was [[***REDACTED BY ORDER OF FEDERAL WITNESS RELOCATION PROGRAM***]].

At the moment — seriously, right at this instant! Check out his 24/7 webcam! He’s in there somewhere! — Bill is completing work on a little book about democracy reform (and related topics) called, “Democracil: The Prescription for America.” It will be available for free; you can help crowd-fund the project with a $2.00-to-$12.00 donation here.

He’s a fan of this line from George Orwell: “A thing is funny when it upsets the established order. Every joke is a tiny revolution.”

And if he has a credo, it’s this line from Oscar Wilde: “If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.”

He lives in Berkshire County in western Massachusetts with a dog, two cats, and eight seven highly entertaining ducks.