Written from the viewpoint of an observer of the computer industry and a CD-ROM user, this report looks at CD-ROM evaluation guidelines; notes the performance of publishers; and comments on successful product design. It is contended that some software publishers are jumping on the CD-ROM bandwagon, and are guilty of: (1) putting "any old stuff" (literally) on CD-ROM; (2) rushing to put out CD-ROMs for the sake of being first; (3) putting an odd combination of information on CD-ROM; and (4) not paying suitable attention to user needs--i.e., not doing adequate market research, not giving sufficient thought to product design, not properly testing the product, requiring users to have unrealistic workstation configurations, and overpricing their products. An overview of product coverage and contents is then given, and the equipment necessary to run a CD-ROM system and problems associated with incompatibility are discussed. Qualities of specific software are also described, such as layout consistency, clarity of messages, compatibility, and ease of installation. The paper concludes by suggesting ways in which CD-ROM publishers can improve their marketing research and product design. (16 references) (SD)