Is it considered desperate to go looking for love?

No. Best tips I can give:

Smile (even if you feel like shit) other people want to be with guys who look like they're having a good time.
If you see somebody you like give them your special smile (maybe be a bit coy about it - smile then look away).
Always dress as if you are going on a first date (going shopping, the gym whatever), it might be!
Be prepared to talk to anybody, you never know when they are trying to hook up a daughter, niece or whether they are still a randy old git!
Most importantly, never ever give up. Take a break maybe but never give up.


As an ugly bastard I've had to work hard for romantic success!

No, but if you whine about it here, people get annoyed.

Not really no. I'd say it's more about how you go about it. Nothing wrong with shooting your shots.

Only if it's in all the wrong places.