Empty Option in DropDownList Bound to LinqDataSource

This has been driving me a little crazy.  Sure if it was a completely code side binding I could insert the empty row into the datasource myself but I’m doing lots of work in ListViews of late so that option is totally out.  I ended up finding the answer on StackOverflow.

<asp:DropDownList ID="ddlEditEmployee" AppendDataBoundItems="true"

runat="server"

DataTextField="Value" DataValueField="ID"

SelectedValue='<%# Bind("EmployeeID") %>'

DataSourceID="LinqDataSource2">

<asp:ListItem Value="-1">

None

</asp:ListItem>

</asp:DropDownList>

The AppendDataBoundItems bit is important too otherwise sneaking that default on in there is for nothing. Enjoy.