At me the free domain for work domen.net63.net. Such form in my opinion looks is better and is perceived by partners and clients. The domain though and not the first level, but is more practical 20-25 symbolical abracadabras.
I also registered some long names which are google keywords. I think it will get value if it is developed with good content.
So let me ask you this. For instance I blog through blogger.com and decided to set this domain name up. so for instance instead of blogspot.myname.com ists just my name .com. So if I decided to set up a primary domain name is this possible or should i just as well buy a alternative address and advertise that one?