2
a lot of times, it's a browser compatibility issue. more feature-rich editors use technologies exclusive to internet explorer (unfortanate, but true).
specifically to the DHTML editor, which is the one that NewBB uses, the sliders and buttons relating to text functions have you set up what type of text style you will use first, then type in the text you want with that style into the little text box by the buttons, then click "add". smilies are a little odd in that, no matter where your cursor is, it'll add the smilie at the end of the post. in this case, just cut and paste.
hope that helps.
-zimmi88 =)
"Need coffee, keep away..."