How should I adress him? xD

[yoitsdomka]

Should I write 'Dear Mr. Barnes', as I wanted, or just 'Dear Ben'? I don't want to sound too formal nor too...friend-like xP
Also, is it acceptable to use ':)' once?

[Shambler]

Dear Mr.Barnes or sir.

Addressing someone you don't know personally/haven't met/who is older than you, by their first name, is real rude in my opinion.

It's ok to use one smiley yes, just don't do it excessively.

[yoitsdomka]

That's what I thought, thanks for confirming
And yay, I can use a smilie xD I'm a huge smilie abuser on the internet but I'll only use it once in the letter, I promise xP

[lizane]

Hey yoitsdomka!

Yes, you can address him either Dear Mr. Barnes, Dear Mr. Ben Barnes or anything like that. {thumb2} Also, you don't have to be too formal, otherwise it'll look like you're applying for a job and the whole feel of the letter would be "cold"! Of course, you should'nt be rude but just write like you would talk to on older person - polite.

Good luck & if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask!

Regards,
Lizanne