ugh...
i'm always the one stuck with starting the conversations and it bugs me at times

Mmmm, I'm more of a 'switch'

I prefer to start them. No exceptions, no special circumstances, no depending factors... I am just that open and social. And I have a wide variety of interests, so it's easy to talk about anything with me an have an interesting conversation. The more you socialize, the easier it is to do so in my opinion.

I do sometimes jump into conversations though and give everyone a good laugh in doing so.

Everyone comes to me.

Personally I prefer having someone else start a conversation with me, but since usually no one will talk to me. I wind up having to start conversations with others.

Honestly it doesn't matter to me, as long as one starts, if they don't start a conversation, I will

I'm the kind of person that, at first glance, you might mistake for a serial killer. So people tend to get all jumpy when I'm the one to start a conversation with them.
Whereas when they start a conversation with me, it's likely becuse thwy've seen past that - or gotten a different impression. Those are the people I'm more comfortable talking with, so it all works out.

I'm far too passive, but love engaging people on anything. I prefer hearing whats going on in other peoples heads than mine. It's something I try to break out of with folks I know online.

And speaking of wanting to know whats going on in other minds: Why the poll?

i usually prefer someone else starting

Neither, I just love any kind.I will start and let be started.