But he's never worked in a startup. I get the sense the startups like a little bit of a more fun, laid-back attitude.

So here's the question: If a 16-year-old (with great credentials given his age) applies asking for a summer job when you're really looking for full-time workers, which makes you more likely to be interested? A candid style with an occasional joke, or a completely professional one?

I have a sample of each here:

http://jackowayed.github.com/professionalismcomparison.html

But don't tell me what you specifically like or dislike about those particular passages. I'm not trying to waste HN's time with proofreading part of my cover letter.

I want to know whether you, especially if you've done hiring on a startup or will soon, like the style of A (a little more frank, has a joke) or B (professional, formal) better.