I have made a few friends online, including my boyfriend - we have been together for 8 years so far so I guess its more than just my body he likes Mostly I made them when I wasn't particularly looking for friends though just like in the "real world".
Also, I don't tend to show anybody a picture of myself before I have talked to them for quite a while so maybe thats where you're going wrong? I mean, to me its more important that I can talk with somebody, share the same interests etc. before wanting to know what they look like. From my experience (no offense to anyone, its just MY experience) people that want to see a pic straight away aren't really that bothered about what's in your head.
Just a thought