// JavaScript Document

<!--

// the maximum amount of characters allowed in the text area
var maxLength = 1000;

// disable the countdown box, and set the default value
document.form1.countdown.disabled = false;
document.form1.countdown.value = maxLength;

function checkCountdown() {
// limit the text area size to 'maxLength'
document.form1.COMMENTS.value = document.form1.COMMENTS.value.substring (0, maxLength);

// update the countdown textbox
var newValue = maxLength - document.form1.COMMENTS.value.length;
document.form1.countdown.value = newValue;
}