In the INBOX all I find is messages I've sent OUT. Does this simply mean that no one has responded to my inquiries -- that I am exceedingly unpopular? (No surprise to me, but I'm wondering why IN is OUT.)

lol... it takes at least 3 days for the mail to get around...

many factors involved... for one, you've only been here 2 days, give it time
as for the popular/unpopular - again, the 2 days thing comes into play... right now, your neither...
nowadays, people want a pic and maybe more on your proflie...you say your a writer, but your profile is empty... the women in here are profile hunters, they seem to want your life story on it for some reason or another, but if they aint happy, you won't get any dates...

i have no idea what you say in the emails, but since there are a lot of scammers on the web now, women don't answer right away... best thing is to get involved in the forums and let people see who you are...

good luck...