Hello Shawn,
I am afraid that there is not other way - you need to check if the value is null, however you can use an external function ti save some space.
http://docs.kendoui.com/getting-started/using-kendo-with/aspnet-mvc/helpers/grid/faq#how-do-i-use-a-javascript-function-in-a-column-client-template?
Regarding the second question:
The second parameter (the value) becomes encoded which ends as an invalid template. Use regular
input element instead.
Regards,
Petur Subev
Telerik
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