It is popular mythology that we should own our reputation, but your reputation is nothing but the beliefs others have about you. You do not own their thoughts and beliefs.
I was about to write an article about this subject for tomorrow but now I don't feel like doing it since I don't want to destroy what I have built so far. You have covered me pretty much.
This is my favourite quote of all time and it describes not only reputation but the human experience in its entirety. It was going to be my opening line:
oh, that's good. I like it.
that is a trippy f'n flick!