this is probably a stupid question, but i'm not the brightest bulb in the box when it comes to computers. i just finished installing the sims 3, and went to make my mods folder. i thought i had everything under control until my cc didn't show up, so i went to check what was wrong. apparently there is something wrong with my resource file and the directions to put it in my folder and make it work are confusing me to no end. could someone maybe explain what i'm supposed to do in an easier way, so i can make my mod folders work? i'm sorry if this isn't a relevant question, but i truly am confused...

Have you tried the instructions here
Basically you download the ready made framework .zip file and place it the folder named 'The Sims 3' (Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3) and when you extract the .zip, it creates the Mods folder for you. Within there is the file 'resource.cfg' and two folders called 'Packages' and 'Overrides'.

eta You would put the majority of your mods in the 'Packages' folder unless otherwise specified

it worked, thanks for the help! i downloaded the wrong resource folder, i'm glad i can have my custom content now

No worries, glad it helped! Happy simming :D