4) suss out the other person as much as possible BEFORE you contact them. Find out what they've written about themselves in their profile. Read their other posts. Read their stories. A little mystery can be nice, too, so don't write off people who haven't posted much info about themselves...some folks are shy.
5) don't be pushy!!! This is one of the worst ways to lose a nice potential partner. You don't know the other person's circumstances...but almost everyone on Earth has heard something creepy about online relationships. Respect their privacy, and if they don't reply to your messages, don't take it personally, and don't get hurt or upset...take the high road, and ride off into the sunset (to the Land of Mixed Metaphors!).
(Personal anecdote- I had a guy I thought I could trust THREATEN me!!! I IMMEDIATELY asked him to explain what the HELL he thought he was doing and why he would say such a thing to someone who had only shown him kindness. When he tried to make light of it, I broke it off with him. Be VERY careful about giving out personal information, and at the first HINT of creepiness, NAIL them on it...If they can't explain, buh-BYE!)
6) Let the other person keep control. In the case of online chat, that means to let your partner add you on Messenger without asking them to let you add them...unless they ask, or until after you know one another better. That way, they can block you unilaterally if they choose.
7) So, you've got yourself a potential cyberpartner...now what? Just like early dates, early chats are your chance to build a nice foundation for future hot times...and, if you are lucky, for a sweet, spicy, hot, healing relationship that will be great for both of you. Don't be pushy...be flirty and take things easy at first. At the same time, try not to ignore your partner's signals...if they are coming on too strong for you, say so, in a light, humorous way at first, but don't get pushed into anything that feels bad for you. If they drop a flirty hint, don't ignore it...respond in some way. Chatting, then chatting about sexy topics with a bit of flirting, and eventually letting nature take its course, and before you know it, you'll be having full-blown cybersex! If you guys skip all the steps and jump one another's virtual bones, don't get all freaked out! Never be afraid to email the next day and say "wow! should we go back and tell each other our names?"
8) Remember that the feelings involved can be 100% real...If you find yourself falling head over heels, remember that at least part of what you are falling for is your IMAGE of your partner. The better you get to know them, the more you will figure out that they are no more perfect than you are. Again, be kind. It's very nice to learn that it's possible to have a hot, bouncy, happy, healing sexual connection with a fellow flawed human being...heck, that knowledge might even carry over into your real life relationships.
For more of my thoughts on cybersex, especially ethical, emotional and technological issues, see my story, "How to Break All the Cybersex Rules"
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