It would be nice if there was a "thumb tack" thread with the instructions for loading a mod onto your PC.

Step 1. Download the mod you want, usually they come packaged as a rar. file or a similar archived format.
Step 2. Open this rar. (Or zip., 7zip. etc.) and you'll normally see the files, such as folders for Textures, Meshes and an esp. file in most cases.
Step 3. Many people say you need to extract the archived file to a location first, you don't really. If you're viewing the files inside the archive, simply drag the ones you need into your Data directory.
Step 4. Use the Mod Manager or the Data Files option in the laucner to activate the esp. file.
Step 5. Play with your new mod.

Like dah ... would the Fallout 3 Mod install work? http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/972878-fallout-3-mods-faq/

The only difference (that i know of lol) is that instead of Program File>Bethesda Softworks it is Program Files>Steam>SteamApps>Common>FalloutNewVegas>Data

No idea, but this one by Kai is a video tutorial - http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13111.
I've never used it as I don't need them, but even though it says Fallout 3 it's the same process. Although I'd skip the Wrye Bash (or GaryBash) bits as that may be too confusing. At this stage, IMO, merged patches aren't really necessary as the big overhaul mods that they are mandatory for are still works in progress.

If that's just too confusing start with the one you linked to. If that's a stickied topic that's usually a good place to start. I think two reasons why this section doesn't have one yet is the Fallout 3 forum has one, and modding for NV is still fairly new and no one's gotten around to making one yet

Wrye Bash/Gary Bash/Wrye Flash still come in handy even in the current state of the NV modding scene if you know what you're doing. For example to use armor replacers and ART you need to bash with stats and graphics. But generally speaking unless it's absolutely necessary, I'd stay away from WB-ish utilities if you don't know how the game works under the hood. It's better to experiment with the GECK, see how data is stored and how it works overall.

Just about all mods come with instructions on how to install them and run them.