user capabilities: “editor”-role doesn’t work

hi,

i changed a user’s role to “editor” and i relied on what’s written at “roles and capabilities” at the codex.

but he isn’t able to edit other people’s posts nor pages or comments.

i can see no difference to the “author”-role.

the only alternative seems to be the “administrator”-role but i think this is a bit too much to give away.

how can i solve this problem and is it common ?

thanks,
buntstift