Hey folks I'm curious because I have come across an increasingly familiar situation where conversations suddenly halt or don't get more than ten messages back and forth.
Maybe its my approach or maybe its just that the questions are boring or maybe its not my problem at all.
What I'm trying to ask is:
What is the best way to start a conversation with people online and what is the best way to keep it going?
( I find I have an easier time chatting face to face or on the phone with women or people in general)

open ended questions...

Sometimes just talking about the day to day things is better than tons of questions. On line communication should not feel like and interrogation.

I usually just say hi, ask about their day...then ask about their interests, or what they do for fun...pretty simple and not really invasive or interrogating.

It really depends on the two people, in my experience. There are some people that I can talk to literally all day back and forth via email, because they're just that good at keeping up with me in conversation, they ask questions, tell about what they're doing, ask and comment on what I'm doing, just like a phone conversation really.

And then there are some that after 2 or 3 emails it's like a huge thud happens and it's all over. Because it's boring and there's nothing (interesting) left to say. I really do think you can have online chemistry....

I think it helps if you meet people in the forums, if nothing else you can comment on something they (or another poster) said, and maybe a conversation will build from there. But it really is a crap shoot, I think.

It's called measuring love or interest with infatuation.

Happens in friendships, happens in loveships, happens in life.

People get too hung up on the 2 week hussle (2 week is just a number), then think there is something wrong with the flame going out. I think it's exciting to get...well...excited by someone for however long it last. Doesn't mean the moment has to continue in that same bubble for life. If we set out to appreciate that moment we may find that it's enough, and maybe all we needed.

A personal thought, you know how you hear people say they met someone, it's hot for two weeks, gets cold or slows down, then that someone is all of a sudden trash.

Time to grow up! Not talking to you OP, but in general. Really folks, you have to cut on someone because they have other things to do in their lives. This kind of thing always gets a raised eyebrow from me.

enjoy the moment for the moment

you might find that life can be full of joyful experiences