Multi-Platform or Just Give Me the Damn Book?

As book bloggers in the YA market, we know that multi-platform books are nothing new (figuratively speaking). But how much are they actually utilized? Everyone seems to be spazzing out about the supposed death of traditional publishing. Considering that no less than 80% of readers still very much prefer a traditionally bound book to anything on a screen, I'd say the publishing industry needs to take a Valium or something. But that doesn't mean the platform isn't changing and reaching out to a new age of readers isn't wise. It very much is.

For instance I read invisible i, the first book in The Amanda Project, and while I loved the book, I didn't get involved in the online stuff. I surfed around a little bit but that's about it. I'm also 26 and felt really out of place on a predominantly teen website. There's also Skeleton Creek that utilizes both a traditional book and video. My question is, when you read a multi-platform book, how multi to you get? Do you read the book and jump right online like it tells you or do you read it, say you'll do it later and then forget about it? Or do you just read the book and promise nothing?

The way of reading is changing. There's no denying that. And multi-platform books are a pretty big hit, especially with a younger YA and middle grade crowd who are more wholly in the digital world than anyone older. Do you think we'll be seeing more and more books like this or is it more of testing the waters? Publishers release a few, see how they do and judge from there as to how much more they want to invest in something like this? Publicity for a book is one thing but having a slew of books that the publisher not only has to get behind on paper but needs to put the money into building and maintaining a fully interactive website. Many book have that now but they're static compared to these kinds of sites and what's required to keep it running.

What do you think?