gigi:
I may be somewhat confused by your description, but I "think" that you are saying that you entered the code
`[size=small] Example [/size]
` in the formatted text part of the TinyMce editing box.
If you did do that, you would find (if you look at the HTML that TinyMce can show) that what is stored is `[size=small]<a href="http://www.example.com"``&``gt;Example [/size]
`
In other words, TinyMCE has html encoded the `` characters you entered. There may be a way to change the configuration of TinyMCE with respect to this.
However, you really should not be entering markup code in the formatted text textbox. That is what the HTML button of the editor is provided to do.
Better yet, since you seem to be entering an URL link, use the URL insert button.
Note: the HTML you enter via the HTML editor must be correct html. The spaces in your HREF are not allowed.