How random should random encounters be?

[fine_young_misanthrope]

I am running the AP, but I don't throw a bunch of random encounters at my PCs. Should I? How random should they be? Any idea on percentages? Will this just bog down the game?

[PathlessBeth]

It is entirely your choice. You can do it if you like,...try not to use random encounters at tense storyline moments, though. Also, if you find the players are having trouble figuring out what to do next, try throwing in a random encounter, and have the monster/npc drop a clue of some sort.

[BzAli]

I'm at the end of AP 2, and I have yet to use any random encounters. My players actively seek out hostile ships, and that's all the random encounters needed.