function submit_to_mailing_list() {
	var url = "/mailing_list/submit";
	new Ajax.Request(url, 
		{
		parameters: $('mailing_list_submit').serialize(true),
			method: 'post', onCreate:function(){
			},
		onSuccess: function(transport) 
			{
			response = transport.responseText;
			$('mailing_list_return').innerHTML = response;
			}
		}
	);		
}

//  this function controls the contact form and it's behaviour when submitted
function submit_to_mailing_list() {
	$.ajax({
	  type: "POST",
	  data: $("#mailing_list_submit").serialize(),
	  url: '/mailing_list/submit',
	  success: function(returnData) {
		  switch(returnData) {
			case "1":
			 	$('#mailing_list_return').html('<p class="mailing_list_error">You must enter your name and a valid email address.</p>'); 
				break;
			case "2":
				$('#mailing_list_return').html('<p class="mailing_list_error">You are already subscribed to our mailing list!</p>');
				break;
			case "3":
				$('#mailing_list_return').html('<p class="mailing_list_success">Thank you for your submission.  You have been added to our mailing list!</p>');
				
				//  take away the fields and description as they should not be filled out again
				$('#mailing_list_fields').html('');
				
				break;
			case "4":
				$('#mailing_list_return').html('<p class="mailing_list_error">Your submission failed.  Please refresh and try again.</p>');
				break;
			default:
				$('#mailing_list_return').html(returnData);
		  }
	  }
	});
}