That doesn't mean you did it wrong. OFP won't crash from mod folders, only the contents of the mod (addons) folders, it might be an addon causing it. Besides mod folders are extremely simple, don't make a big deal, all you do is create a folder with a name of your choice in the OFP directly, add subfolders similar to the ones in the OFP directory (Addons, Campaigns, Missions, DTA, BIN, etc..) for each file you want to add (Don't make empty subfolders like DTA or BIN, only make these if you have something to replace in DTA like a replacement anim pack or replacement config). Then just change the target of your shortcut (target is where your shortcut looks for the actual .exe of OFP, you will find it in the properties of your shortcut), add your mod folders name with a " - " before it to the end of the target (to the end of whats allready in there). Also many people suggest " -nosplash " too wich will skip opening credits.
If you stop fearing things and take the time to understand them, you will realize how simple it was after all (like configs for all you new addon makers).