Second is there a way that we could alert users that enter data via work request

It sounds like you are still using the old portal interface? You can use JavaScript to validate the field length but it is not recommended anymore. Another option is to test the pv value using the len() function and loop back if the value is too long and display a message to the user.

Ideally though you should be migrating to Tempo where this type of dynamic form is simple and native in SAIL.

hello, we are currently using Tempo and will be upgrading to 7.9 in the next few weeks.

Then you can use the validation attribute on your text and paragraph fields and an expression to test it:
if(len(ri!myField)>50, "Too many characters", {})

Hi John, Also please check for the option of using "KEYPRESS" so that the expression is evaluated as the user types in, rather than displaying the error message after the focus of the field is lost.