dragging a layer

Of the one billion things that drives me nuts about Chyron, this one gets me the most (along with 750,000 others): What's the easiest way to drag out a layer? I created a 30 second Effect In timeline, but when I added my camera to it, it only lasted 5 seconds. What's the easiest way to make a layer as long as the timeline or the easiest way to drag out a layer? When I drag it, it stops at the end of the timeline window (like 6 seconds). I have to move the timebar but still be able to see the layer that I want to drag out; THEN drag the layer a few more seconds... But sometimes (like, a lot) it snaps back to the beginning and I have to @!!??! start all over again. This thing is just on FRUSTRATING machine. How do other people do this without becoming homicidal?

thanks,

kurt murphy