How would it look in Black-and-White?

[ameerat42]

On and off when I read about it in a post - particularly recently - I've been thinking about the question of rendering an image in "B/W", "monochrome".

You often see written:
"I wonder how it would look in B/W?"
"[I reckon] it would look [good/great] in B/W."
"Have you thought about turning it into B/W?"
...
...
...
To me, it almost starts to sound like a mantra. Often, I quite disagree with the idea, but I usually don't say anything, as it's a valid opinion
to express. But it makes me ask, "Why?" "What's wrong with the colour version?" "No, definitely NOT for this one!" etc... Rarely, though, I agree
with the sentiment.

I "grew up" with B/W pictures. In those days the idea of "colour" was dreamy. By the mid-70s, colour was "de riguer" - and affordable!!!

So, what's the gist of this rave? Well, WHY B/W?

If this sounds vague, apologies. (Or payback for the many vague hankerings for B/W I've read.) Your thoughts on why and when to do
B/W would be appreciated. It might serve as some sort of "guide" as to how it can be an effective photographic technique.

Over to you, and ta.
Am.