Error While Posting in Group Discussion: "Text Too Long"

When attempting to make a 300-word post, I get the following error message:

Errors
The following errors occurred with your submission
The text that you have entered is too long (1657 characters). Please shorten it to 1000 characters long.

Click to expand...

When I cut the post to about 150 words, it allows me to successfully complete it.

Please note I have another thread regarding a problem with inviting other Members to join the group.

"This User is Not Allowed to Join Groups"
blackhatworld.com/blackhat-seo/forum-suggestions-feedback/456192-user-not-allowed-join-groups.html

It's possible the two may be related, both problems caused by my "Newbie" status.

Thanks in advance for any consideration.

1) Above mentioned error happened again while trying to create this thread:
http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackhat-seo/groups/local-seo-discussion-d458-google-places-reviews-does-google-remove-them-ever.html#gmessage2232

2) So, "bump".

3) Membership in Local SEO Discussion Group is still open. I am rejecting applications from people that have "0" posts, for obvious reasons.

4) Is it possible the recent updates to the website are related to this problem; could they be fixed by the updates, is everything "on hold" while the updates are being done, etc....?