Using the standard recips like you are above,
I'd say stick with 9-12 recips. Then you can make a second folder, with a different set of 9-12 recips with the same content. I wouldn't make more then two extra folders while you are still new.
Then when you see who is approving you and where you are getting traffic from you may add or drop recips. And then when you feel really comfortable you can go to custom recips and increase the number of recips on your index, but wait on that until you are more seasoned and know what you can and can't get away with.
You'll get there, just keep trying.
Oh and PS, the three owners of the linklists posted in this thread are very gentle on newbies and I'm pretty sure they will send you an email about anything you've done wrong on the first couple of attempts.
