I have never smoked a whole pork shoulder, but I have done it in halves. I would have to say, it doesn't require a whole lot of effort for the
bbq. Make sure you have plenty of charcoal, and make certain you have plenty of charcoal lighter fluid/spritzer. I have only been able to use Kingsford, and it is soooo much better than regular charcoal.
Once you find the right temperature, it's a breeze.