In January 2024, Macmillan Publishers staff at its Lower Manhattan headquarters arrived to a welcome party for NOA, an AI assistant whose name stood for “No Ordinary Assistant.” Workers told WIRED the tool was unhelpful, and it was later killed, making the celebration a source of ridicule among staff.
Staff at the Lower Manhattan headquarters of Macmillan Publishers walked into work one morning in January 2024 to find a welcome party for a new colleague. The colleague was an AI assistant called NOA, short for “No Ordinary Assistant.”
Why Did Macmillan Throw a Party for an AI Assistant?
Flyers announcing the newcomer were posted on the walls. The cafeteria was decorated with purple balloons and banners, and NOA’s name glowed in light-up marquee letters. A plate of doughnuts spelled out “NOA IS HERE.” Several workers who were present described the scene to WIRED.
Did Workers Think NOA Was Useful?
The party did not win over everyone. Workers told WIRED that NOA was unhelpful. The company’s decision to celebrate the tool with such fanfare has since become a point of ridicule among staff, and the assistant was later killed.
How Is AI Affecting Book Publishers and Authors?
The episode lands at a sensitive moment for the book business. Bestselling authors also say AI is ruining their relationships with the Big Five publishers, the group of large houses that dominate the American trade market.
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