I just signed up for okcupid, and the nearest matich is 100 miles away. Alas.

I've been at the online dating service thing unsuccessfully for nearly six years now. I try to do essentially the opposite of what other profiles are doing (Hey dudez, what's up? I like to PARTAY, etc). But you see how well that plan is working. Just be yourself and don't be afraid to be distinct. Good luck!

A friend of mine asked me recently "How is it that you've met so many people since you left town?" I replied, "I go where the people are and then I look them in the eye, smile, extend my hand and say 'Hi! I'm Alicia.'" Her response was "...and that works?" Yes, it does.

So, short answer: Just say hi. You don't have to amaze anyone, not being a jerk already puts you waaaaaay ahead of the crowd.

Be yourself - be it boring and staid or nerdlish or wildman or all of the above.

I met my GF on Hot or Not of all places. (Err, I briefly had a gifted one-star account.) Turns out we had mutual online friends. We've been living together well over a year now - the unofficial-but-close-enough 1 year anniversary was July 4th.

We both had pretty unconventional profiles. I was pretty brutally honest in mine.

Just be yourself. Say hello.

I'm pretty good at meeting folks through the online thing. I find that not going on and on about how hot they are or how much you like the same band they like is a good thing. Also, don't ask them for contact information, but feel free to give yours. They're in charge in that case. I've also met folks just as friends through this stuff, and I send messages to them all the same way. You might want to try MySpace. it has been the best source for dates and friends that I've found since I moved here.

A typical for me is:

Hey, I'm sciurus. I was killing some time and I saw that you [x] and I'd like to know a bit more about that. I've been interested in [x] ever since [y] and since you sound friendly and knowledgeable, maybe you could help me out. Feel free to send me an email or IM me.

peace
sciurus

Then, if they respond, PROFIT!