I would like your opinion...

[mrmopar]

I'm guessing that unless one specifically collect signatures on cards, a signature can be a distraction to most, especially if it is only 1-2 cards in a larger set that are signed and the rest remain unsigned.

Personally, I have made that one of the few collecting interests that I still actively pursue. I can't get enough signed cards and mostly I am talking the cheaper, newer players (60s and newer), most who are not real tough and are still living. Sometimes I find that I have 5-6 copies or more of certain cards signed, either because I got them in lots or really just like that crd and keep finding bargains. The record may be 10-11 of the same card. I mix that in with an occasional older card that I can get for a nice price or an obscure name. I have always felt that a signed card is better than one that is not signed and from the standpoint of scarcity, most cards will ultimately be harder to find signed, even a Bobby Doerr or Bob Feller card!

However, if I were just building team sets, I think having a few signed cards mixed in would be a distraction to me and I would either want the entire set signed or replace those signed cards with unsigned copies eventually.

[CW]

If they are grabbing your attention, and you like the looks of them, then collect 'em! Collect what you enjoy until you complete your sets or something else grabs you.

Not all signed cards are created equal, either. Some of them can have a perfectly placed, flowing signature that adds a lot of character to a card. The personal touch, as Scott mentioned, of knowing the player held the card is pretty cool, too.
I don't have many, but I like the look of a nice autograph on a piece of cardboard.

[DHogan]

Collect what you like. I would take a signed card. They are more interesting.

[ALR-bishop]

Hard to go wrong collecting Cardinals cards no matter how you do it

I have never been an autograph guy. I have a few I got in person or that someone gave me, but mostly could never stand waiting in lines to get an autograph, and saw no sense in buying a card with writing on it even if it might be authentic...no connection to me.