The only first messages I've ever sent were to gal pals...my father doesn't let me call BOYzzzzzz.

JK...but actually somewhat true...I don't make first contact with men and only call to return their phone calls...cept that once. But he was really sweet and soooo cute!

The question itself is individualistic.

With each person I have a different reason for sending a message. Some I might be trying to make a friend because we agree on certain concepts regardless of distance.

I might have a different reason for contacting some people, but I definately am looking to make a friend. Any idea about romance or anything else has to wait until we prove that we could make good friends. Because each person is different my attempts are usually different almost every time (even thought you can't always be completely original).

This gives people an opportunity to get to know each other by picking a common interest or middle ground to discuss. For this to work, both have to actually put something in their profile so they can have a place to start from.

If I send a message to someone it's because I have something to say or I find them interesting. It is their choice if they are interested in me and want to reply. If they choose not to they are meaningless to me, because I only want to talk with or know those that want to know me.

You, a conversationalist? NEVER! lmao :)