This is a great thread, lots of Rep to be given out here for sure. Everyone saying it is a numbers game is dead on. It has also fascinated me how some chicks that I think are a little below on the hotness scale don't reply, and others I think are above me contact me first!
Time elapse picture app: thanks for this tip, I am going to work on some pic upgrades! On the pics topic, a wife beater or wetsuit can accomplish the same as a shirtless pic and not seem as cliche.
The Epsi method: a while back I said I would try this and report back, so I'll do it here. I was in SMF and had a free evening so I spammed invites from both POF and OKC. Short and sweet: Hi, I am MOTU and I am from Houston Texas but traveled to this area frequently. I happen to have some free time tonight and your profile caught my eye, would you like to join me for a drink?
I was surprised at the number of replies I got. Probably 3-4 no thanks, 2-3 I wish I could but tonight is bad and 2 yes's. I met the hotter of the two yes'scand got a kiss close (which was a bit of a bummer, the logistics were perfect for a fvck close).
My profiles are funny and edgy. My POF is actually long too... But tells very little about me. I do have a couple of C/F lines like "I have raised three daughters so you should know I'm completely immune to grunting, foot stomping, eye rolling, whining, pouting and other feminine forms of communicating dissatisfaction nonverbally." I get compliments on my profiles regularly.
I agree that it's your pics that qualify you. I think the trick on your profile is to not disqualify yourself by what you write. But adding content that is well thought out and not too serious may make them feel like they know you a little better and make them more receptive to date requests with less upfront chatter.
My best opens seem to be funny ones. And when I can tease them on something in their profile even better. I regularly use a line that I was reading their profile and was just about to change my fb relationship status to "terribly smitten" until I saw what might be a deal breaker... And most ask what it is and I make up something funny from their profile.
Epic fail: I sent this opener to HB and she replied "that's ok, you are too old and out of shape for me anyway". Lol!!
In my area, POF has the most chicks and activity. OKC would be next on both volumes in attractiveness. Tinder chicks are the hottest but I get the least play there.
I have laid 5 different chicks from online since January. At all of them superhot but at least doable. That's out of about 12 first dates. Not too shabby. My game is getting better and the chicks are getting hotter. That being said, I really want to focus on my offline game so I haven't been working the apps so much.
Hope that adds a little to this great discussion.