// function parameters are: field - the string field, count - the field for remaining
 // characters  number and max - the maximum number of characters  
 function CountCharacters(field, max) {
     // if the length of the string in the input field is greater than the max value, trim it 
     if (field.value.length > max)
        alert("You have reached the maximum amount of characters that are allowed to be entered.");
 }