got the message
i never got the camera working with blue iris. i was in contact with the developer for a while, and even then couldn't get it working.
i ended up eventually downloading the free 1-camera version of milestone system's software. i just looked, and it seems they revamped their software lineup but still offer a free version: »
www.milestonesys.com/Sof ··· otectgo/after i needed to upgrade to more cameras, i went analog. i got a few lorex cameras and some from monoprice (nice cameras for the price!) running through a digimerge DVR.