can't get akismet API Key

I am new to using WP.org. my other blogs are on WP.com. I did 1 minute WP.org install from dreamhost. I can got my url and see my blog dashboard. it definitely IS dotorg.
I first installed a plugin to create an “under construction” page I then tried to install plugin for Akismet and clicked on link “Activate Akismet” BUT when I clicked “Get API key” I was sent to WordPress.com!! It is like it is trying to verify me with/using my wordpress.COM profile, email address, username and password!! Am I supposed to end up on WP.COM to get my API key for a WP.ORG blog? I do not want to muck up my username and passwords that I already have in place and am using to post to my 2 WP.COM blogs. I DO have a distinct and username and pswd for the WP.ORG. But when I use these to try to get the Akismet API key it does NOT accept them?!!