A method, system, and computer program product for assigning reply status to an outgoing electronic mail (e-mail) message. While creating an e-mail message, an interface is provided for granularly assigning or denying reply privileges to recipients of an outgoing e-mail message. Reply status is assigned by selecting a subset of recipients by name, e-mail address, and/or e-mail group who may reply to the e-mail. As the recipient's reply status is modified, the outgoing e-mail is updated, revising the reply e-mail address for each recipient. When the recipient is granted reply status, the e-mail address of the original sender is provided as the reply e-mail address. However, in the event the recipient is not granted reply status, the e-mail address of an automated, unmanned e-mail account is provided as the reply e-mail address.