I created an account and had hoped to jump into a world, but as I don't have an cash right now I was hoping there was some sort of trial or demo version. This sounds like I am being cheap no matter how I word it, but I was just curious as the game looks like a blast (and runs on my Linux box!).

Minecraft Classic is free, but it's also over a year old and missing many of the newer features. But it's your only option if you don't want to pay. A trial or demo doesn't really make much sense, because the game isn't even released yet. It's still under active development, and having to maintain a demo version at the same time would be a hassle.

I know it's frowned upon, but there are always torrents. Just make sure you buy a copy once you have the money.

" Minecraft Classic is free, but it's also over a year old and missing many of the newer features. But it's your only option if you don't want to pay. A trial or demo doesn't really make much sense, because the game isn't even released yet. It's still under active development, and having to maintain a demo version at the same time would be a hassle. "

there are a bunch of good lets plays on youtube, it's not playing but it'll let you know what the game is like.

Just watch some gameplay footage of the game on YouTube.

As for me, all I can say is that I built a big fucking lighthouse. Why?

I DON'T KNOW - BUT I FUCKING FELT LIKE IT.

 

" I know it's frowned upon, but there are always torrents. Just make sure you buy a copy once you have the money. "

You can probably find the client easy enough. Payment allows you to log in properly and have access to multiplayer servers (which is where most of the fun is). What you can do though is enter NO username or password, click "Login," and then the game will offer to let you play offline.
 
Playing offline is a fine way to get a grip on how the game plays; I probably spent a hundred hours messing around in offline single player before ponying up for an account. Whenever you do inevitably purchase the game, come join us over on the official Giant Bomb server. 
 
 http://www.giantbomb.com/minecraft/61-30475/giant-bombs-official-minecraft-server/35-464917/#59