diff --git a/doc-src/about b/doc-src/about
index 21f4dbf15c..6a68e41cf0 100644
--- a/doc-src/about
+++ b/doc-src/about
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 based on the Free Software [StatusNet](http://status.net/) tool.
 
 If you [register](%%action.register%%) for an account,
-you can post small (140 chars or less) text notices
+you can post small (%%site.textlimit%% chars or less) text notices
 about yourself, where you are, what you're doing, or practically
 anything you want. You can also subscribe to the notices of your
 friends, or other people you're interested in, and follow them on the
diff --git a/doc-src/help b/doc-src/help
index 93300ab242..37a8d11f72 100644
--- a/doc-src/help
+++ b/doc-src/help
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-%%site.name%% is a **microblogging service**. Users post short (140
+%%site.name%% is a **microblogging service**. Users post short (%%site.textlimit%%
 character) notices which are broadcast to their friends and fans using
 the Web, RSS, or instant messages.
 
@@ -30,4 +30,4 @@ Here are some documents that you might find helpful in understanding
 * [Privacy](%%doc.privacy%%) - %%site.name%%'s privacy policy
 * [Source](%%doc.source%%) - How to get the StatusNet source code
 * [Badge](%%doc.badge%%) - How to put a StatusNet badge on your blog or homepage
-* [Bookmarklet](%%doc.bookmarklet%%) - Bookmarklet for posting Web pages
\ No newline at end of file
+* [Bookmarklet](%%doc.bookmarklet%%) - Bookmarklet for posting Web pages
diff --git a/doc-src/im b/doc-src/im
index 631f6d9bb7..eda4f6fc57 100644
--- a/doc-src/im
+++ b/doc-src/im
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ Sending updates
 ---------------
 
 You send updates by sending messages to %%xmpp.user%%@%%xmpp.server%%. Messages
-should be less than 140 characters; longer messages will be truncated.
+should be less than %%site.textlimit%% characters; longer messages will be truncated.
 
 Commands
 --------