Custom User Field

[nevetS]

I have a plugin, and part of that plugin requires a user to enter data into their profile.

Adding custom user fields is easy, but i would like to take care of that as part of the install.

Is there a way to add a user field as part of a product, then reference that field in the plugin?

Currently, I make a simple template modification that references $userinfo[field5] - where in my system field5 is my new field.

But if someone installs this, and they have other custom user fields, it could be $userinfo[field12].

Alternatively, can I create a new table as part of a product and reference data that way?

This question is for my blog entry in postbit plugin - I want the install to be easier for people.