early game strategic question

[MythicalMino]

In the early game, what do you all do as far as expansion is concerned?

Do you colonize, secure and set up initial defenses in your home planet? or do you search and colonize planets in as many systems as you can?

My current game (which is like most every other game, I am sure), I have my homeworld, a hospitable planet (which I have colonized), and 3 colonizable planets (in which I have colonized 1 so far). There is a couple of hospitable planets in other systems. I am debating on colonizing the other 2 planets in my home system, then expanding into other systems in the quadrant. What are your views and opinions?

Thanks

p.s. I am thinking also of trying my hand at some fiction for this game. Not sure though. I still have MUCH to learn about the game. But, I am taking some notes though, which in a way helps me organize my thoughts and overall strategy....But, like i said, not sure if i am ready to actually write anything...Would you guys rather see my turn by turn notes? or a full-blown story??

[Baron Grazic]

Personally, Colonise, colonise, colonise.
Worry about defenses after the AI has started the attack you.

[Fyron]

Colonize as much as you can, as fast as you can. If it can be colonized, it is valuable. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif If you see breathables 1 system away, colonize them before medium or smaller non-breathables in your home system. Build new Space Yards on these planets so that they can build more colony ships. Don't build early war ships unless you start right next to a hostile opponent.

[Taera]

*Colonize as much as possible as quick as possible, build a good economy and research base.
*Build up any possible chokepoints in/to your empire territory(like a system with a WP leading from a black-hole which is the likely route of the enemy).
*Exploration as far as possible to identify possible sources of threat.

[HEMAN]

cpbeller ,
() I Colonize all green dot planets only,as fast as possible, use pop transport ships,do repete order,The first 2-6 planets colonized i use a 96%Research,1%shipyard,1%resupply (1%spaceport), if in another solar system.
() The very first turn make few scout ships even tho there defenseless etc.
() I research 1 level only of military/Physics with the game start up of 100000 research points, then ship /engines a few levels.
() Then I create a couple of Weapon Platforms,then finally a few shielded warships.
() Then i mine the Wormhole outer outlet systems..
() I never explor more then 5 system away from my own system. That way i usally dont intercept AI.
() If i even see 1 AI ship,even a metal obsticle moving or not, I PANIC http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif , Well you know then to gear up.