<!--  start character counter  -->
<!-- Dynamic Version by: Nannette Thacker -->
<!-- http://www.shiningstar.net -->
<!-- Original by :  Ronnie T. Moore -->
<!-- Web Site:  The JavaScript Source -->
<!-- Use one function for multiple text areas on a page -->
<!-- Limit the number of characters per textarea -->
<!-- Begin
function textCounter(field,cntfield,maxlimit) {

	if (field.value.length > maxlimit){ // if too long...trim it!
		field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit);
	// otherwise, update 'characters left' counter
	}else{
		cntfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length;
	}
//  End -->
}
function charCounter(field,cntfield, maxlimit) {
		
		maxlimit = maxlimit - 1;
		if (field.value.length > maxlimit){ // if too long...trim it!
			field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit);
		}else{
			cntfield.value = field.value.length + 1;
		}
		
}
<!--  end character counter  -->