What if you could buy vBulletin for $100 and not get support,
would that be worth it?

I don't think so. Without support many new vB users would leave. Support is a vital part of Jelsoft's success. Very prompt and good quality.

Support is to Jelsoft is like Idiots to AOL. Jelsoft needs members to feel that no matter what, their problems will be solved. AOL needs idiots to rely on it's financial security

The support is free, if vB would come without support it would cost $160 :)

How much do you pay to OWN a copy of vbulletin as in NEVER have to pay for it again type thing. Cause mine says something like support runs out in a year or something

License types explained (http://www.vbulletin.com/order/)
The vBulletin forum software comes in two license types: Leased and Owned.

The leased license costs $85 and allows you to run 1 instance of the vBulletin forum software on your web site for a period of 12 months. You will get full and free support for the period that your license is valid. And you get 12 months download access to the latest vBulletin files. This license solution is a good alternative for sites that know before-hand that they will only need a license for a shorter period of time. After the 12 months (license expired) you have to renew the license for another $85 for another 12 months. And you will get 12 months download access again. Optionally you can upgrade your leased license to a owned license for $160. If you prefer not to renew or upgrade your leased license after 12 months you have to remove it from your web server.

The owned license costs $160 and allows you to run 1 instance of the vBulletin forum software on your web site for an unlimited period of time. You will get full and free support for the period that your license is valid. And you get 12 months download access to the latest vBulletin files. This license solution is the best choice for the average community. After the 12 months you do not have to renew or upgrade your license. You can continue to run vBulletin on your web site. Optionally, and at any time, you can renew the download access if you need the latest files for an upgrade. The costs are $30 for another 12 months.

A customer will always have access to the members area for sales and support ticket system, and to have access to services (like renew or purchase). A customer could have multiple licenses in his or her account.

How much do you pay to OWN a copy of vbulletin as in NEVER have to pay for it again type thing. Cause mine says something like support runs out in a year or something
Do you have the owned license or leased license?

With the owners support is lifetime, you do have to re-new by paying $30 every year, but this is only if you want to download the latest version of the software. You can renew any time you want, even after you ability to download new versions expires. Again support is lifetime via the forums and members area.

With the leased license you have to re-new the lease at the end of the first year (a year after you bought the lease). This costs $80 (or is it $85?), if you do not re-new you have to take the forum offline.

Oh ok I got it now...thanks.

That's good. The only regret I have about vB is that I didn't buy an owned license

no, no...part of owning vBulletin is being able to have that support is needed. I think it would be a very bad idea to offer non-protected vBs...simply because if a new user buys it, thinking they'll teach themselves without the support, and fail...that user is not going to blame themselves, they're going to blame Jelsoft...

I purchased their product because of their support...I am very proud to be a part of their community.

You wouldn't believe the bad pr that Jelsoft would get from that.