I bit the bullet and friday I'm picking up some QS-8s. I got them at a sweet discount.

Anyway, are the QS-x series best placed on the SIDES of the listening area, or BEHIND the listening area.

I figured the QS-x series is so versatile, but it would be best to do it properly.

Place them on the SIDES, but slightly BEHIND the listening position.

Yep...to the sides. If they're a little behind or in front it won't matter much - but to the sides is better than on the back wall.

You see, this guy places them BEHIND:
http://www.audioholics.com/about/staffsystems/images/DSC00113_lg.jpg

Perhaps he has two on the side as well as these two in the rear. ???

See the Axiom FAQ page on this very subject.