Twitter a little too smug with office move in San Francisco

Twitter has confirmed that it is moving offices after securing a deal over tax breaks with San Francisco government officials.

The company is already based in San Francisco, but had been threatening to move out unless it got a deal. Twitter will move to an office block on Fifth and Market, which is charitably described in one guide book as ‘up and coming,' and just one block from Sleuth's lair.

"We are proud that Twitter will be among the first companies moving into the Central Market area and will be playing a role in its renewal with the city and with other businesses, arts organisations, and the numerous community organisations that have been doing hard work in the neighbourhood for many years," the company said in a blog post.

"San Francisco's unique creativity and inventiveness is a part of Twitter's DNA, and we feel like we are part of San Francisco. Three-quarters of our employees who live in San Francisco are involved in causes and charities in the city."

What is sticking in some people's craw about this announcement is that Twitter was talking about leaving the city and moving out to the suburbs unless it got big tax breaks from the city - chiefly payroll taxes. So much for its being in your DNA.

Even if Twitter grows radically the city won't see much benefit in the rumoured five-year tax deal, and if the parsimonious ways of Twitter employees mimic that of management, the beggars on Fifth Street won't see much spare change either.