An e-mail system is disclosed that overcomes many deficiencies of, but is backward compatible with, existing e-mail systems. An exemplary method for communicating e-mail messages includes receiving an e-mail message from a sender addressed to a recipient, receiving a request for access to the e-mail message from an e-mail client associated with the recipient, and providing the e-mail client with access to the e-mail message. The method further includes receiving a navigation notification indicating a navigation away from the e-mail message followed by a navigation return to the e-mail message, and in response, withholding access to the e-mail message by the e-mail client, and providing the e-mail client with a message placeholder.