Not counting sales through Steam, over four million copies of the game have been sold since its release.

Not counting sales associated with closure, there were some 16 major changes of ownership of national dailies and 17 of Sundays between 1945 and 1988.

And that's not counting sales in the burgeoning genre of consumer studies, where network science terms and concepts are invoked with near religious fervor.

This does not count indirect sales through third countries.

The best-seller lists only count retail sales.

Complicating matters is the question of how to count sales of suites, which typically include three or four programs.

The new novel and "Veronica" each sold for low six-figure advances, not counting foreign sales and reprint rights.

But had Penney counted sales during the four weeks that ended Jan. 23, the company would have posted a 6.2 percent comparable store sales increase.

Some dealers reported that Cadillac counted sales that were not yet completed, as well as dealer orders and vehicles in inventory.

"Each month, every brand is counting sales that may or may not stand up to close scrutiny, especially when incentives apply," Mr. Smith said.