First name basis?


Is there a general rule regarding how you should address someone online for the first time?

I prefer to look thru people's feedback to see if their name is mentioned, believing it's more courteous than addressing someone by their username.
I've found however, that some people will still sign off a message back to me with their username.

Am I commiting some type of online faux pas?
mr_man
Post removed 

I always sign my name when I send an email, but I don't when I use forums.
I don't use another's first name until intial contact has been made.

AKA,
Dan
Gee, I never really thought about it. I guess your idea makes makes sense, unless the guy drops some subtle hint about how he'd like to be addressed.

His Royal Highness
Supreme Emperor and Dictator-For-Life
the One, the Only
Duke
I just start off with "Hi:", write my message and end with my first name. I then follow their lead for my replies.

However, there are sellers who do get a lot of emails as routine so don't be surprised if they shoot back something terse like "How you wanna pay?" after sending a polite email expressing interest.