html:options

[Jayaraman Dorai]

Hi,
 
I want in my drop down a blank record. This needs to be the default. This provides the 
user an option to not select anything( It is a null field). 
 
Is it possible to do this other than putting an empty string in the collection. How to 
set this blank string as the default(not affecting the user's selected value in the 
edit mode)? 
 
I hope I am clear. 
 
Jayaraman