the present invention allows the inclusion of a place mark in an electronic mail item . the place mark serves to identify and link an on - line reference to the mail item . when a user sends the mail item to a recipient , the place mark but not the reference goes with the item . upon receipt , the recipient may select the place mark during review of the mail item and the on - line reference will be automatically called and displayed . upon completing review of the reference , the recipient may transfer control from the on - line reference to the mail item without having to back out of the reference and then initiate the electronic mail .