Hey Darren,
I'm a wannabe, too. I've been "borrowing" a friends offset pit, but it's a little too labor intensive for winter use, in my opinion. Hopefully, Santa brings me a WSM.
On to the potato, I use this trick with the offset, too. Using a Polder or similiar type of thermometer (mine's a Pyrex), shove the probe through a small potato until the end emerges from the other side and place it on the grill, near the meat. This gives you a more accurate reading of the temperature where it counts.
Very important when you're a rookie, like me, trying to use an offset for the first time.
Oh, and Santa, if you're reading this, I've been very good this year. In addition to the WSM, I'd like another thermometer and some of those gloves, please.
Love this website,
Merry Christmas, Darren