There are good reasons for the growing popularity of Monte Carlo procedures; but with increasing use comes increasing misuse. A variety of exact and approximate alternatives should be considered before one chooses to approach a problem with Monte Carlo methods. Once it has been decided that simulation is desirable, consideration should be given to making the study as efficient and general as possible. A simpler model or a canonical form can often make results more general while at the same time reducing the cost of the study. (Author)