I meet girls from the net quite often. About 50% of the time the girls I meet are from the net.
Don't worry about who initiated the convo. If you want to talk...TALK.
Don't say shiet like, "ASL?". Or the ever-witty, "Got nudes?". You'd be surprised just HOW MANY IM's woman get that sound that stupid. Yeah, THAT stupid.
If you're contemplating letting woman always initiate things, you'll likely end up talking to yourself. You're trying to play this too hard. Just talk to her. Some of the girls will act like a BIOTCH. Moreso than real life cause you're behind a screen. So be prepared for some real crazy shiet. Some don't respond. Others, are very friendly.
Here's a tip. The ones that act like a biotch are usually just fronting. Use your charm and wit, and makes sure you're qualifying HER. Most of the time they'll end up purring like kittens. Get their number. Call them RIGHT THEN, if possible. If you do, keep talking like you were over AIM. Natural transition. Make the plans, and have her meet you at your place.
All done.
It should take no more than15 minutes of talking over aim to get her warmed up enough to get her number and make plans. Some aggressive girls will want to talk and meet right away. So be prepared for some good times.
*edit* Forgot to mention...once you start dating a girl, I would not advise talking to her over aim at any length again. As on the phone, only talk to her to set up dates. Yes, she'll see you're online. Yes, you'll still not message her. Don't worry about that, just do NOT start conversing for any reason (aim or phone) other than to set up dates.
-Shadow