How does anyone ever get dates with online dating?

[happyandsingle]

Just curious to know with this online dating thing how people ever actually manage to meet up with anyone.
Seem to chat to men ok but never any real suggestion of meeting up just happy to chat with endless messages but never getting anywhere iyswim.
How long do you suggest chatting with someone before meeting up?
Any opinions would be appreciated.

I was stood up by a guy from POF. so as I had arranged childcare etc I decided to arrange a date for that evening with someone else.

couple of messages then straight to ...'im free right now if you want to meet'

we met and now he is dp and we live together.

dp and I both thank the guy whi stood me up

I think the main thing with OLD is to do what you want and not conform to any rules.

if you feel it, say it. thats my motto

I am also terrified of OD. I just can't get a feel for that person by what they write. I'm (naively, probably) going to hold out for meeting someone in the actual flesh when I least expect it sort of thing. I really dislike the idea that finding someone as a 'project' and would rather have it occur organically. But I know I'm probably dreaming....