Blogger panel at Blog4Life. mediated by Family Research Center's Charmaine Yost (check out FRC's website for a webcast of the panel and other speakers):

- Rob Bluey, HE's online editor
- David All, president of the David All Group, a new media consulting business, former communications director for Rep. Jack Kingston (R.-Ga.)
- Mary Katherine Ham, managing editor and blogger at Townhall.com
- Tim, manages ProLifeBlogs.com
- LaShawn Barber, blogger at LaShawnBarbersCorner.com

MKH: Have fun with blogging. It allows you to be yourself. Video blogging is tough but exciting.

Tim: Bloggers need to be pro-active, not as re-active -- especially if they want to make an impact on the pro-life movement.

David: People aren't stupid on the Internet. They see through things. It's important to be authentic. We know politicians don't have much time to blog, but even if they put a few sentences out there on their websites that can mean something.

Rob: Left-wing blogosphere is more developed than that of the right. They bring in more money and seem to be more together on messaging. Blogging is exciting right now though. Now is the time to jump in. Stop thinking about it and do it -- it's not that hard.

MKH: While we're not as unified, I don't think we have to be. Our independence is what makes us great. Conservative blogs can still make a difference, even if they aren't powerhouse websites like DailyKos, MyDD and the Huffington Post.

LaShawn: Pick a topic and start blogging. You may not be the next Instapundit or makes millions, but start blogging if you like to write.

It's almost good to have people say negative things about you. Free PR. Networking with other bloggers is important too. If the big bloggers aren't linking to you, don't get discouraged, just remember why you are doing it.

Q & A:

Difference between blog and website?

David: The more content you put up on your own website, the more google links you get.

MKH: Websites are more static. Blogs are constantly moving and updated.

LaShawn: Blogging is important for business owners because it helps them establish their expertise. They can comment on cases or whatever, and it makes it easier for others to pick them up and look to them for advice, expertise.

How can bloggers better serve the pro-life community?

Tim: Bloggers can get out there and be active as they write. Go make news, interview, be a part of things. Don't just sit at home and blog in your pajamas.

Rob: Make friends with people in policy who can advise you.