This is kind of a silly question and may be more about semantics/personal preference, but I figured I’d ask.
Does a “build log” and “WIP” mean the same thing or different things to you?
Is a “build log” a more formal write up of your steps and a WIP is just a quick update with photos?
I’d love to hear your answers.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Some people document every step of their builds while others sporadically post WIP pictures (like me).
I see your point,but to me they were the same thing,but I guess I post WIP’s instead.
I would consider the terms to be interchangeable, at least in the way of documenting an on-going build. The build log sounds more polished and complete, possibly.
My feelings as well, but I’m anything but polished.
They are the same thing. However, the builders may be vastly different.
Ditto 
Possible exception- I think of a log as being more regular, such as daily, weekly or monthly.
I’m onto my second Build Log here on the Finescale Modeler forum, with the view to documenting progress and process on a model from start to finish - I don’t necessarily want to gatekeep the definition, but simplistically I’d suggest the difference is that a WIP is a more isolated post, either as a topic on its own or a series of progessive contributions to What You Did on Your Work Bench Today.
Yes,that’s why i started the Workbench Thread as stated on the 1st page.Build Logs could be exhausting.
I view it as very much a tomato/tomata type thing. They are essentially the same thing, it just a matter of how you chose to call it.
I consider them to be quite different beasts. To me, a WIP is a point in time update on the status of a given project that might include pictures and a narrative on some of the challenges or steps taken to reach the current state. A build log on the other hand is a more detailed record of the build that might include notes on modifications to kit parts, aftermarket parts, details of scratchbuilding, paint mixtures and techniques and even the amount of time devoted to each. I do a bit of both, taking pictures at key points in a build but also keeping daily notes on each step of the build including assembly, painting and related details. I have a project log spreadsheet with a tab for every project underway or that has been completed. It allows me to go back and recall how I achieved a particular outcome or finish when I am trying to replicate a technique or outcome on another project. But it also feeds my modeling OCD too 
Interesting the wide variety of answers.
I’m of the same mindset as @PaulC.
I tend to do more WIP updates as I am working a model. I don’t go back and document my every move while model making. Unless I’m trying to do something unique, that is not in the instructions.
I don’t do a lot of build logs of my models. I’ll create a FB album for the models I build and then usually share that album to other FB model groups. As for regular website forums, I only post build log threads on one model website forum (Not this one) and that’s it. If I create too many build logs all over the place, then I might lose track of where I need to update those threads and so forth. Keep it simple. Less is better.
I think a Build Log would include all the steps and a WIP post would be more just where you are at some point in time - just my thoughts. I enjoy both as described.
Different names for the same thing.