Regulating temperature

I just had my first smoker experience with the same rig. I smoked Ribs and I had a hard time regulating the temperature at first. I think my first problem was building too large of a fire to begin with. I went with the minion method and placed it on too large of a bed of coals. Next time, I am going to experiment and go with a bed have the size and let it burn to it's max temp. From there, I am going to let it burn down to 150 degrees and slow add fuel and let it build back by increments. This is time consuming but the theme I am getting from this forum is getting to know your smoker. 

This weekend, I am smoking a boston butt so I will let you know how it goes. 

Here is a pic of the ribs after I pulled them off. The temp went haywire, but I stayed calm and worked through it. 

Tarpon what is your fuel source? How are you building your fire?