Starting pineapples from their tops

I've been saving our pineapple tops and trying to get them to grow into new pineapples.  So far I'm about 1 for 4 and I have 6 that are just sitting there.  Here's my process, does anyone know if I could be doing it better?  FYI I don't live in the tropics.

I cut the top off and set it aside.  After 2 or so days I pick off the yellow top bit of the fruity part and peel off a couple rings of the scales. Then I let is sit for a few more days.  Then I stick the nub in some potting soil and spray it down (foliage and soil).  I try to mist the greenery every day and I keep them in a west facing window.

Bonus question, how big a pot do you need for a pineapple to go through it's full life cycle?  I think they're similar to bromileads and don't need much soil.  But I may be making all of that up.

Thanks!

I don't mist it, I just stick it in a little ground and walk away.  I don't think they like that much moisture in their foliage.  Check this growing guide out. I think I do about what he does:  

Thanks Amit!  Looks like I was doing many things wrong.  Luckily we cut up two more pineapples tonight so I got to use MIgardeners techniques.  It was neat to see the roots already growing out between the leaves.  Thanks again!