I think that a lot of people who send shorter messages, especially just "hi", or maybe even "would you like to chat?", tend to put the 'ball' immediately into the court of the person who didn't actually initiate the conversation. Without really thinking about it, they get the other person to do the initial hard work. But it's mostly just easy speculation for a lot of people anyway, and they feel that if their pictures, profile and location etc really fit the bill then someone will be happily bite the hook.
But what to say if you are really just trying to get a conversation going? It isn't easy.
I actually don't really come to the forum to connect this way (I'm very specific and know the odds - though I always chat when people PM), but what's good about this place I suppose is that various threads provides some context to your messages. It's only a small group of people though really, and they are very unlikely to be local for many of us too.
But it's all about that conversation starter, ie some context to ease the work.
I find that a lot of profiles on Fab are quite short and often full of demands. If people are accepting of conversationalists, I don't think it's a bad idea to put a few things in that throw people a bone or two. Kind of like those hundreds of Q and A's on OKCupid!
Fab is quite picture-led though ultimately. The OP isn't bad looking at all imo (most people on Fab are decent looking I think), it's just about being patient, using Search, working on the profile and reaching out etc.
And when Fab gets you down, try not to let it show (ie in the profile and introductory messages etc), as negativity is unattractive to a lot of people. Humour is attractive though, so it's best try and joke more about what you find bad if you have to let it out I think.
I think it's good to ask for and to give advice, but the underlying irony is that it's always best if everyone is really themselves, as everyone can see the score then and are more likely to hit it off! Especially at any meets. So always, be yourself.
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