How do you strike up a conversation online?

I can recall trying to strike up a conversation out of the blue eight times through PM, all with women.

Three times I got a reply on the first PM. I got a decent conversation right off the bat twice. In the case when I didn't get a decent conversation, the other person wanted to continue, but I was creeped out and left.

Five times my initial PM was never read, but I did get a great conversation (and sometimes a lot more) with three of these women.

I haven't had bad success overall. But, the experience of not having PMs read has been traumatic. I'm probably retiring from the striking up a conversation out of the blue game.

I'm just wondering how people make it work. Any advice?

a reply to: Profusion

How?

First you need to fill in the space where it says

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With your own thoughts. Then people reply with their opinion and advice.

ETA: You changed it. Now I just look like a fool. (Again)

Thanks very much internet!

a reply to: Profusion

Be genuine, don't sugar coat anything or be fake. Try to connect with them (whoever the audience is), show them you're human and not a robot or a fake poster sharing propaganda. Just a few thoughts.

originally posted by: TerryDon79
a reply to: Profusion
How?
First you need to fill in the space where it says

NOTICE: AboveTopSecret.com management is now enforcing new standards for the opening posts of threads.

Opening posts that contain minimal content, links with little or no explanation, YouTube videos with no commentary, images with little or no commentary, and similar nominal content may be removed without warning or explanation. If your topic is important to you, make sure you explain why, with links and supporting material so that our members may offer more relevant contributions, and ultimately, better threads. In fact, if you have less to say than this simple notice, then you probably do not have enough to start a new thread. Thank you for your assistance in helping to create great threads on ATS.
When you click this form-field, this message will disappear.

With your own thoughts. Then people reply with their opinion and advice.
ETA: You changed it. Now I just look like a fool. (Again)
Thanks very much internet!

No you don't, it was still funny.

originally posted by: TNMockingbird

originally posted by: TerryDon79
a reply to: Profusion
How?
First you need to fill in the space where it says

NOTICE: AboveTopSecret.com management is now enforcing new standards for the opening posts of threads.

Opening posts that contain minimal content, links with little or no explanation, YouTube videos with no commentary, images with little or no commentary, and similar nominal content may be removed without warning or explanation. If your topic is important to you, make sure you explain why, with links and supporting material so that our members may offer more relevant contributions, and ultimately, better threads. In fact, if you have less to say than this simple notice, then you probably do not have enough to start a new thread. Thank you for your assistance in helping to create great threads on ATS.
When you click this form-field, this message will disappear.

With your own thoughts. Then people reply with their opinion and advice.
ETA: You changed it. Now I just look like a fool. (Again)
Thanks very much internet!

No you don't, it was still funny.

So now I look like a fool for saying it made me look like a fool.

I just can't win

originally posted by: Profusion
How do you strike up a conversation online?

I start by telling people I am 22, 5'7", blonde, blue eyed and 36-25-34.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: Profusion
How do you strike up a conversation online?

I start by telling people I am 22, 5'7", blonde, blue eyed and 36-25-34.

Was that you the other night?

originally posted by: TerryDon79
Was that you the other night?

Do you want it to be?

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: TerryDon79
Was that you the other night?

Do you want it to be?

Depends.

Will you still let me call you Candi?

a reply to: Profusion

Why not just go out and meet a woman in person...maybe get out more??
Its easier....if you want to take the internet route...its simple.....NEVER be that creepy internet guy woman want to avoid...don't move fast,just be friends first.

originally posted by: TerryDon79
Depends.

Will you still let me call you Candi?

For what you paid? Kinda pushing it.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: TerryDon79
Depends.

Will you still let me call you Candi?

For what you paid? Kinda pushing it.

Damnit!

Is Wilma ok?

originally posted by: TerryDon79
Damnit!

Is Wilma ok?

Can I call you Fred?

Aaaaaaand Barney?

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: TerryDon79
Damnit!

Is Wilma ok?

Can I call you Fred?

Aaaaaaand Barney?

I'm big enough to be both of them. Plus I have a split personality.

I think it could work.

Still talking about ats members youre butt hurt over huh?

I know how it is when your socially awkward finally get a girl to talk to you. Shes just being nice but deep down you hope she likes you too. Then she never reciprocates with equal indicators of interest and the angst sets in.

Poor form lad. But youll get the skill set down one day.

a reply to: DrumsRfun

I just wrote that I'm probably retiring from this game. I agree with you.

I love how this thread started. Making a cute mistake (intentional or unintentional) can be a great way to get things rolling.

Here is my advice for getting a conversation going out of the blue:

Don't post your ideas if they're controversial.

Try to be funny and cute all the time.

Don't step on anyone's toes.

Don't put yourself in the limelight.

In other words, pretend. I'm not changing my behavior for a chance at an online conversation.

a reply to: BASSPLYR

Where is your evidence for those accusations against me?

Since you can't quote from other threads here, post a link to the thread(s) you're referencing.

a reply to: Profusion

Here is my advice for getting a conversation going out of the blue:

Don't post your ideas if they're controversial.

Try to be funny and cute all the time.

Don't step on anyone's toes.

Don't put yourself in the limelight.

I so hope you were being facetious.
That's horrible advice. Always, I mean always, be yourself in all situations.

I don't think you can force it at all, you either 'click' or you don't.

originally posted by: TNMockingbird
I don't think you can force it at all, you either 'click' or you don't.

Once I get girls to like me online they click in person.

Well, the shackles *click*, but you get the idea.

a reply to: Profusion

I dont pretend and yet charisma seems to work for me.

Im broke, not particularly good looking, short and blah looking....and yet......women seem to really dig me.

Im honest. Like to share. And it seems to work for me.

One bit of advice. If a woman rejects your advances or disregards your feeling....dont talk about them in a public forum where they probably post too. Its just immature. ..and petty...and reeks of insecurity. ..not very appealing. Plus it decimates any shred of respect or trust that person may have had for you.

Throwing tantrums and acting out is a major turn off for most wonen.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: TNMockingbird
I don't think you can force it at all, you either 'click' or you don't.

Once I get girls to like me online they click in person.
Well, the shackles *click*, but you get the idea.

Scary when that doesn't frighten some away, isn't it?