I have a question on increasing the length of a varchar2 datatype. I have a column on a table that has a datatype of varchar2(500), the developer wants to increase the length of that datatype to the max (basically the maximum it can go to, I think it can go to about 32000). I would like to understand what is the downside of increasing the length of that column and what can it go up to without negatively effecting the database. The column is a notes column on a trouble ticket kind of table.
ANy input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chintz