I'm embarrassed to admit I chickened out on the initial phone call to my first provider, but luckily one of my top choices allows booking via web/email.  I answered the screening questions in an appropriate manner (I've read the newbie manual and boards so I know what not to say) but sadly responses dropped off after a few exchanges.

I know that no one can tell me why, as there are a million things that could have come up in her life or things she didn't like about me.  However, specifically regarding small-talk: would an email written as if to a friend seem weird or over-friendly?  Should you jump right to business or try to introduce yourself with general pleasantries, talk of current events, weather, etc.?

***For me personally...***

If you tried making small talk I would pass you off as more then likely "game playing"  Not always but probably.  

Have you submitted alot of reviews?  Are you known as a verified person?  Did you perhaps say something that she might have considered inappropriate? Things to think about.  We are as "funny" as you guys, if you rub us wrong we won't bother.

Ladies don't make time for BS artists.  Attractive ladies must be swamped with time wasters.  They want you to set a time & show up.  Suggest a time...  you'll probably need to call to verify (often 1 to several hours in advance)...  Are you prepared with a private phone?  
skb

Be sincere
Be brief
Be seated

That's a great way to put it.

To the OP: I like a little personality in my contact emails, but ONLY when it is accompanied by all the requisite screening info. Once we've established a date and time to meet, I prefer to save the conversation until we're in person.

Exceptions allowed when you're traveling before we meet and sending me photos and stories from your vacay in foreign lands. I like to vacation vicariously.

Besides all the info the providers requests, I always request a day and a time in my first email contact. That tells the escort I'm a serious potential client, without a day and time, many providers see you as a tire kicker.
I also communicate with a blackberry and respond quickly to any more requests the lady may have.

Most ladies will not answer an e-mail request for a date untless you have a specific date and time in mind.

An initial email should not include time and date.  This doesn't give much wiggle room for the escort.  First of all if her schedule isn't posted you don't have a clue when she can meet.  I am vouched at a couple of websites.  This allows the lady to check me out first.  Trust me I have the money and the interest in seeing the lady of my choice.  You present this first, the fact that you made a contact demonstrates, at least with me, the desire to meet.
After she clears me then I will suggest dates and times.  This seems to be the best way to make a contact.  My 02 cents

Dumb question then on this.  I've been getting a lot of emails but mostly, I think, it's just game playing.  Standard hello email ~~> my response in kind ~~> his response about possible day/time ~~> my response amendable to his schedule ~~> nothing.

Am I doing something wrong or getting felt out?  I should say the content of said emails are innocuous, nothing is mentioned of money or price or even services, just dates and times and locations.

in the subject line.  I suggested a date in about 5 days & described the time of day when I'd be available.  I pledged that I was "for real" & would be there.
I subsequently provided verification info.  A phone call was required to book in both cases...  oh, yes, once I was screened, the dates happened prior to the original proposed date.  
skb

Sounds like me at one point.  Not psychologically committed to going through with the act.  

Most of you ladies have realized the very simple fact about how most every man works.  They like to think they made the decision, not that it was made for them.  We like to sell ourselves.  So, they are probably planting the seed, and eventually it grows and they pull the trigger, from there on, if it is something they like, they just keep on coming.  Pardon the pun.

I have had certain guys who email me over and over.  They book, cancel, book, cancel. They are just looking for the fun of emailing me or something. At first I was upset because I counted on those bookings.  Now I am starting to read them better. I think that really is the extent of their fantasy - just the emailing, true tire kickers.  Now, if they don't get on to screening and scheduling within an email or two, I guess they are probably playing games, with the exception of the one or two who are shy or nervous and new, and need more time to feel comfortable.  For this reason, I usually try to be patient, friendly and nice.  Sometimes they come around, sometimes not. Now I just write it off as part of the business. I had one guy cancel three times, I wrote him off, now he's a regular consistently.  He was wrestling with his issues and made a decision finally. Turned out to be a really nice and considerate client. The guys who are active on TER seem to be the most reliable, at least to me.  They also treat me better, have the etiquette down, are comfortable with themselves and what they want and what we are doing.  Not to say, that guys who are more under the radar can't be, but it just seems to me that the majority of situations I've been in (still consider myself a newbie), demonstrate those characteristics. What do you other ladies think?

I think that's a pretty apt term for what I've been getting, tire-kicker, heh.

Thank you for the feedback, Elina, I appreciate it.