It seems that a lot of people don't seem to be getting any replies from people on these types of sites. So, here's a little guide:

1 - Read the person's profile, and see if you can find something you may have in common.
This can be anything from a band/music type, a sport you both like, a language you both speak - anything. Base a message around it if you can.

2 - Do not type a short message that just says 'Hi, want to chat' or something along those lines.
Show some imagination. People get a fair few of those messages every single day. If they don't reply to others like that, do you honestly think they will reply to you? EXACTLY.

3 - Don't give your email address out in the first message
It makes you appear to be desperate. That is never good. Send a few messages first, then give/ask for email later.

4 - If they don't reply - Don't send them more messages
Wait a couple of days to see if they respond. If not, they just aren't interested. This does not mean you should flood their inbox with 100 messages until they reply.

5 - Don't be too serious
Say something amusing. Not stupid amusing, fun amusing.

6 - No chat up lines
I don't think this one needs an explaination!!

Ok. Finished. Feel free to add anything to this.

Cheers...I suppose that must apply to me as I haven't really started messaging any females yet

That's excellent Laura. The next time i get some oik asking me "wanna chat?", I'll send them that list!! lol

I think your right - read the profile and ignore the picture for a min or 2 then write something interesting to say hello if you like what you read.

This is harder of course when there is no personal information on the profile. Even worse is just 'If you want to know more - ask!' and then when you ask you never get a reply

Thanks Laura.