A dead server means (basically) there is something blocking the client's connection to you (the host).
There are many possible causes... The most common are...
1) Firewall blocking the connection.
2) Router incorrectly configured
In depth on how to fix...
1) If your firewall is blocking the process, you simply need to un-block it. This can be done in numerous ways, however I would recommend setting up an "exception" which means always let this program do what it wants. I can't really explain in further detail without knowing what firewall you use.
2) For v14 of Blockland you need to enable UPnP on your router to host, this stands for Universal Plug and Play and is how Blockland now establishes connections. Sadly again I cannot go into much more detail other than you need to enable it. Alternatively if there is no way of enabling UPnP (your router doesn't support it) you can do the old fashioned port forwarding approach.
