I know I sound so nitpicky, but I usually don't respond to those "how are you? can i get to know you?" Especially, since they are usually followed by "so tell me about yourself." Kneegrow, didn't you read my profile?
Instead of sending me a copy and paste message you send to every girl, why not comment on something you read on my profile that shows you are interested/will lead to better conversation instead of the dead end how are you? How is someone supposed to respond to that?
One time I was being a smart ***... one dude sent me a message, "how r u?" I said, I'm fine. And left it at that. He never replied back.
I find that if a guy is really interested in you, he will at least show some kind of proof that he read/skimmed some part of your page.