After ten years at the helm of Creative Commons, Lawrence Lessig, the free culture movement's most visible spokesman, declares that he is "stepping aside".

Lessig began his keynote address by responding to recent criticism with a call to action. "Take pride. We will get respect by demanding it and demanding it loudly," Lessig told the hushed audience, "Success is possible."

As opponents to free culture raise the volume and frequency of their opposition, critics increasingly focus on Lessig as an individual rather than responding to a vast international movement. By stepping aside, the Creative Commons CEO hopes to end this confusion and make room for the emergence of new voices, "It is a time for new leaders."

Identifying an ugly "economy of influence" in which members of the US government respond only to monied interests, Lessig named his next challenge. "[People in control] only listen to money ... I want this problem to by my problem."

The standing ovation that followed the announcement echoed throughout the stone chambers as the faces of the cheering audience were projected on the wall above the panel. Lessig left the crowd with a request, "Earn respect as a movement and make a very old man proud."

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