I've told my family and friends about creating a comic in my late twenties. It was going to be impossible to hide, because I had been a vendor in the artist alley for many years already. My parents didn't support it. Some of my friends were excited, others didn't care and a chunk of them were over the moon. Mostly because the series features of characters that are loosely based off of them. lol
I'm not a popular creator and the series isn't very well known online. I do print the series independently and sell them at conventions. I also managed to get them in 3 stores around my province. It sells well.
I don't want my family or friends to promote the series. I feel weird about it. I think I'd end up with sales from people who'd feel guilty for not supporting their friend's family. I'm only okay with it if they're actual fans of the series. I don't need or want pity sales. It messes up my print numbers.