             return "normal";
         
         // If none of the above states are defined in the item renderer,
-        // we return the empty string. This means the user-defined renderer
+        // we return null. This means the user-defined renderer
         // will display but essentially be non-interactive visually. 
         return null;
     }

            }
        }
    }

    //----------------------------------
    //  itemIndex
    //----------------------------------

     *  the item renderer is automatically drawn, and it 
     *  depends on the styles that are set (<code>contentBackgroundColor</code>, 
     *  <code>alternatingItemColor</code>, <code>rollOverColor</code>, 
     *  <code>downColor</code>, <code>selectionColor</code>) 
     *  and the state that the item renderer is in.</p>
     *
     *  <p>If <code>false</code>, the item render draws no backgrounds.
