Originally Posted by aruxaru 
the tone adds to the character of the shot, imho. i prefer to keep the tones natural.
I should have mentioned, that once I have it in gray scale, when I find the image is looking bland, I will adjust curves or contrast.
The biggest problem that I see, is that different folks have different taste for what they like to see in a black and white. I myself prefer the contrasty looking images, that does not work for everything, hence finding that happy medium is the key. I am very much learning and have learned the most by simply looking with admiration and that many photos that get posted here.