In all honesty though, if the first message is filled with questions, can that not be overwhelming for you ladies?

I'm a very open minded guy, and can easily strike up conversations, but they always have to start with a simple Hello at the very least. Then followed up with some sort of topic of conversation which ebs and flows both ways.

What's happened to me in the past when I've struck up a conversation on other sites and chat rooms is this:

Me - Hey, hows things?
Them - Fine.
Me - Cool... so... what music do you like?
Them - Rock
Me - Yeah I like-type music myself. Currently been listening to Paramore. They are quite good.
Them - (no response)
Me - (wonder if I'll ever get some sort of reply...)
Me - What sort of films you like?
And so on, until I shrug and come to a conclusion to move on.

I do find it frustrating when you try to strike up some conversation, only to get one word answers. Or no real questions back.