best choice to start up a conversation in internet chat

Shit... this is kinda embarasing... but its been so looooong.. since I started chatting wif anobody I hav no idea about... as the title above wats the best choice of conversation to start wif the person u know nothing about... any idea?

Hello, how are you today?
I like your shoes!

If its a forum like this one start a convo around the theme of the forum, if its something like messenger, simple is the best way to go, "hi, how are you doing?" and just make little small talk till you see an opening to start a convo with.

Yeah, pretty much what Firstbornnyc said.

Hey, how are ya? You know.... basically how you start up conversations in real life

Good day mate, how's thy day been?

"Howdy partner! May I say you look as fit as a fiddle?"