Quote from smilingsynic:
I have actively looked for the spikes and consider them reliable, particularly when they take place near support levels and resistance levels, and when coupled with similar spikes in the NYSE Tick index. That to me is the only reason to use the 1-minute charts, as I pointed out recently in another thread.
I would be wary about crediting Alan Farley with this "discovery", as those who have read the old-time technical traders such as Richard Wyckoff will recognize this.