Here's the deal. Evidently, as we were warned, people lead tours who don't always have their facts straight, and they give false information. The four of us on the French Quarter Walking Tour found our guide not only factual, but fascinating in his sidebar descriptions of what we were seeing. We walked and listened, stopping on street corners to observe something interesting Rick wanted us to see, then we'd ask questions. He gave in depth answers and encouraged even more questions. It was so much fun!
Rick was a very conscientious guide up and down French Quarter streets, making sure we were safe and always together (there were about 8 of us on the tour and a couple of other tour guides who were learning that part of the Quarter from Rick).
The $20 we paid for the tour (no tips accepted, only a request to donate to the 1850 House, a nonprofit history center) was almost the best money we spent in NOLA. Got to give first prize to Cafe du Monde's beignets.