Here's a solution if you have dynamic data coming in from a database...
The 'data' variable represents database data.
If there is no data saved yet, the placeholder will show instead.
Once the user starts typing, the placeholder will disappear and they can then enter text.
Hope this helps someone!
// If data is NOT saved in the database
if (data == "") {
var desc_text = "";
var placeholder = "Please describe why";
// If data IS saved in the database
} else {
var desc_text = data;
var placeholder = "";
}
<textarea placeholder="'+placeholder+'">'+desc_text+'</textarea>