If you could start your collection from scratch, knowing what you do now...

[Leon]

I have been focused from day 1, approximately 16 yrs ago, and wouldn't change a thing. Type cards are what I enjoy.

I have always said that if I ever collected autographs the only way I could do it and sleep well at night would be to collect legal documents with the signatures or bank checks (I understand bank checks need to be scrutinized too, but they are still probably safer than 3x 5 cuts).
LL

[Jayworld]

The only thing I would have done differently: I stopped collecting after 1984 and did not get back into it until 1990. I had been a set collector (which was easy with just Topps), but when I got back into it, I decided to start where I left off (1984) and get one set of each year up to current and then continue. Long story short; I ended up selling all my 1980 sets; I only now have Topps 1976-79, and refocused only on Padres team sets from 1980-85 and 1973-75, and then refocus also on my love of the 1950-52 Bowman baseball artwork cards, 1934-36 Diamond Stars, and T206.

Other than the 1980s sets, I pretty much collect what I've always collected. I try now to stay away from modern/current cards, too....