What's this "specializing" you talk about?
I collect pretty much everything, but have reduced the focus as I get older and stuff gets more expensive. I do specialize in a couple other sorts of collectibles, but not as much with cards.
I'm more of an opportunist collector, I'm interested in a lot of things and eras. I also have the sort of luck that if I go to a show looking for something in particular there won't be any. But there will be some other stuff that might be more interesting. So I've bought cards at coin shows, and at a restaurant pottery show (Plus a really neat Cubs Tea/Coffee cup and saucer) As well as stamps and coins at card shows.
I guess I've always been a collector. The stuff has changed, but the hunt is just as much fun as ever.
Steve B