Here’s a quick note for the frustrated:
When setting the readonly parameter on a form element via javascript, make sure you use a capital “O” as follows:
elem = document.getElementById('myInputElement');
elem.readOnly = true;
Why it took me so long to find that out, I have no idea why. Most forums threads by others seem to think the disabled parameter is the best way to go. Actually, the sheer number of people suggesting that makes me think it’s a bad idea – just following the crowd. This is why readOnly might be the right option: You’re still allowed to post the form value, but the user isn’t able to change what’s inside the box. When using disabled *nothing* gets posted from that element. So if all you want to do is prevent a user from editing the value of a form element, use readOnly. If you don’t want that value posted, then go ahead and use disabled.
Enjoy!