[zyoeru]

Well, Ayumi's 2nd week sales are fairly abysmal, but we have to consider the recession, I mean, whoa, her albums cost quite a lot compared to British and American artists who are much more well known than Ayumi.
But there is a possibility that the people of Japan are tired of her, but who can say? She's still in the top 3 at least, which is something. To me good record sales aren't all that important really, because a lot of Japan's best artists regularly fail to make the top spots in ORICON.
We've just gotta calm down about her losing her placements, she's had 10 fantastic years of being number 1, so what if her records falter a little.

But having said that, avex have been so stupid releasing Rule/Sparkle, NEXT LEVEL, and now PCDL 08-09 more or less at the same time.
They should have released NEXT LEVEL more towards the summer after releasing Rule/Sparkle in March, then NEXT LEVEL/Curtain call in April, then NEXT LEVEL in May, even a month after each other is better than nothing. Also, she should have performed Rule more than once, Sparkle at least once, and maybe NEXT LEVEL and Curtain call.
I mean, a TV live for promotion really isn't a lot to ask for, it's not like it'll hinder her tour preps.

And maybe the USBs will bump her sales a little, but not THAT much. It's okay, two low selling albums isn't a lot. ;P

^^ That's my two-pennies worth. xD