One establishes the purpose for messaging in the open forum. That is, I will rarely answer a message from anyone I don't have some prior experience with. Get out there and post. Respond to comments. Become known. Then try messaging.

Just keep chatting and see what happens

People will get to know and understand you from your posts, I rarely message, have always had polite responses.

I’m creepy, apparently. Just start talking, though.

Just talk. It's like throwing spaghetti against the wall, some of it will stick, some won't.

I see that as a courtesy thing. I respond to anyone who takes the time to contact me. Some folks seem to feel that if they don't like how someone sounds - or the way they look, that justifies not responding. And I suppose no response IS a response of sorts ...

Might help to have an uncovered photo though. Good luck !

Beats me. I figured I'll hang out until bored and then fade out.
Extroverts with attractive pics do best, the rest are just here for member count ?

I'm not sure who you've messaged, but, I wonder if they were here for dating, or just for community?
Perhaps including a photo of yourself, sans the shades, in future messages might be helpful?

Everyone knows people that wear sunglasses are hiding something. Are you a fugitive from the law? Do you have an odd number of eye balls?

It puts the lotion on its skin ....has mixed responses !!

I have guys message me all the time. I will respond to everyone. I am sorry you are not experiencing the friendship and comraderie here. I haven't spoken to anyone in my New England Region - beyond one conversation with a couple of different "local" people. All I can say is expand your boundaries. I have met one member on the other side of the country.