How to start a conversation when you are looking to date?

I am looking to make friends with a girl, maybe more, but I have no idea where to start, where should I start looking to find a girl who might be interested, and what is a good first message that doesn't come across as boring, creepy or weird?

I might be a little boring, but I just start with a basic hello, maybe with a corny joke in the mix. Sure it might seem weird, but I've never hidden the fact that I am weird, silly, and sometimes, a total derp. Just be yourself.

Be you and present you. If that girl don't like what she sees don't waste your time and cut her out of your life because there are millions of women in this world.

Best advice I can give on initial contact is to just keep things simple to start. Skim their profile and maybe ask them a few questions related to their interests. The discussion doesn't have to be 100% anime related either. Most people have other hobbies as well. Ask them if they have any pets, what they're going to school for or do for work, what kinda music they like, etc. Just be honest and keep the pervy shit to a minimum unless they bring it up first. It helps to know what a girl is looking for as well. Some girls who join aren't really looking for a relationship although it's not always the easiest to tell by reading their profile. Basically, if a girl is into you, she's going to take the time to respond back. Don't hit the panic button if she hasn't replied within 5 minutes or your last message to her.

Especially don't hit the panic button if they haven't replied in days or even longer than that. Remember women have lives too just as much as men do.

Thanks for the help I really do appreciate it. Sometimes the conversations get a little stale,I feel like I bother people, I also look kinda weird which I guess turns people away, i'm actually very gentle and calm but I look a little strange/intimidating, long hair, tattoos ect. so I guess I need to talk to someone who likes that sort of person, I guess if I meet enough people, i'll find someone who likes that

Ask her a question pertaining to her interests or passions. Put effort into trying to understand them if you are new to said passions. I had a long conversation about knitting with a girl at a bar this weekend, and I hate bars.