jQuery Char Count Variable Issue -

i having @ various methods of using character count in jquery , found 1 , modified , implemented having bit of issue it. wondering if guys give me pointers may going wrong.

this have code:

function countchar(val)  {     var len = val.value.length;      if (len >= 500)     {         val.value = val.value.substring(0, 500);         $('.stat').text(0);     }     else      {         $sv = (500 - len);                 $('.stat').text($sv);         if ($sv <= 20)         {                        $('.stat').css({'border': '1px solid #c33', 'color': '#c33', 'background-color': '#f6cbca'});         }         else if ($sv >= 21 && $sv <= 150)         {             $('.stat').css({'border': '1px solid #9f6000', 'color': '#9f6000', 'background-color': '#feefb3'});         }         else         {             $('.stat').css({'border': '1px solid #090', 'color': '#090', 'background-color': '#dff2bf'});         }      } }  countchar($('#notes').get(0)); $('#notes').keyup(function() {     countchar(this); }); 

my ('#notes') normal textarea.

i have fiddle here:

it based on question found here

when implement on page, wasn't showing up. upon looking @ firebug, giving me following error:

typeerror: val undefined

from understanding, error means need declare using var.

i have done , following error:

typeerror: val.value undefined

i did try doing var on val.value threw syntax error.

i did try using var val in countchar() , gives following error:

syntaxerror: missing formal parameter

i can't seem see missing works in fiddle way to.

any pointers appreciated. in advance.

the issue appears had put outside of document.ready without realising had. works charm now