Where does the translation end and the author's text begin?

Question

Machine translation from one language to another

The question is primitive, but difficult to google, so I'll ask it in the hope of getting an answer from experienced Habr authors.

I will give an example for clarity: let's say I came across an interesting article in a non-Russian language in some blog. Let's say something on IT topics from the HowTo category. I read it, do what the author writes about, get some results, turn to additional sources, perhaps bring something from myself, or correct some errors in the original text (or in the code), in general, I am not limited only by reading. Because the topic is interesting and not covered in Russian, I want to share this knowledge and write a post on Habr. But here's the problem: my text will differ from the author's due to various notes, additions, corrections, etc. In addition, I can insert my own screenshots/photos/values ​​instead of the original ones. If the difference with the original material is small, it is a translation. If the difference is significant - an independent article. But how to understand where is the border? Maybe there are some rules?

Answer 1

It is good practice to point out the works on which your article is based. And then, it all depends on your subjective perception.

Answer 2

In such cases, I indicate that this is a translation, but not exactly corresponding to the original. Then I list the differences from the original text. For example, screenshots from a newer version, the presence of notes, additions. In the text, I highlight “mine” in a different font / color.

Answer 3

Now I am writing a translation, in which I insert up to 40% of my text and rewrite the examples a little, testing on Windows, except for the author's Mac. But the basis remains from that article, all the author's text is preserved. I have no doubt that this is a translation, although with comments. If you want to make your own, replace all the screenshots and write in your own words, it will still be clear from the sum of ideas that my product is a compilation of one that is extremely easy to find on the Internet, because there is only a few material on this topic.
If your article does not exceed the original article in terms of the sum of ideas, it is better to do a translation with comments than a compilation.

Answer 4

The rules exist. Like the profession of a translator. If you are not a professional translator, then call the translation "free" with reference to the source or sources.