What exactly is a duplicate page?

[Fryman]

I have read that Google can bann a page if it believes it is a duplicate. What exactly is a duplicate? Do they have to be 100% similar, or could you avoid problems by changing some graphics, and maybe a couple of words.

I am asking this, because I found a site that has many interesting articles, they will allow them to copy them and post them at my website if I give them credit, but I want to avoid getting in trouble with the bots.

Thanks

[troels nybo nielsen]

I believe that I can promise you one thing: Those people who CAN give an exact answer to your question will not do it! Search engines deliberately keep webmasters in doubt about certain aspects of their work.

(Exactly like Brett won't tell us everything that he knows about the ways some members try to abuse WebmasterWorld!)

The only sure way to avoid the possibility of having your page regarded as a duplicate is to rewrite it in your own personal style.