function limitChars(form, countId, limitNum){
	// get the count display element from the document
	var limitSpan = document.getElementById(countId);

	if (form.value.length > limitNum){
		form.value = form.value.substring(0, limitNum);
	}
	else{	
		if(typeof limitSpan != 'undefined' && limitSpan != null){
			limitSpan.innerHTML = limitNum - form.value.length;
		}
	}
}